Many credit card products available today are credit cards that reward the user for charging on them. While rewards programs are great for a large number of people, do your homework to make sure they fit your lifestyle and budget. In fact, one of the factors differentiating one card from another is the type of rewards programs and retail discounts that it offers. One of the many credit card products available today are credit cards that reward the user for charging on them. Credit card reward programs are very popular, but not always the best choice for the consumer. If you carry a balance on your credit card month to month then reward cards are probably your best choice.

Certain reward credit card offers will provide introductory APR's on purchases for up to a year as well as 0% on balance transfers for up to 15 months. Others offer a low rate of interest on transferred balances for the life of the balance transfer. These offers will appeal to people who want to earn travel incentives and clear debt at the same time. .

If you travel frequently, you can surely benefit from travel reward credit cards. Some travel reward credit cards are specific to airline travel, or even to one specific airline. If you travel frequently, you can surely benefit from travel reward credit cards. Travel reward credit cards can offer cash advances that can be very handy when you travel. Such offers are especially beneficial for those who are frequent fliers. But those who don’t travel often can find that any benefit may be offset by the high APR annual fee and other charges that come with these credit cards. Travel reward credit cards can be specific to airline travel, or even to one specific airline.

If it's savings on gasoline you're looking for, there are a number of gas cards that offer discounts at the pump for using their card. Some of the best reward credit cards also feature very lowest interest rates. People are often enticed by attractive bonus offers and credit card offers are no different. If it's savings on gasoline you're looking for, there are a number of gas cards that offer discounts at the pump for using their card. These offers are for specific brands of gas.

Points

Generic reward programs offer points for your purchases. Reward points can usually be exchanged for other incentives that might appeal to credit card holders. When and how the rewards are paid can make a difference. These points must then be accumulated until you reach a specific number that’s being asked of you in order to win a particular product of your choice. Rewards provided by your credit cards are usually based on how much money was spent over a specified period. Every time you make a purchase, your points are accumulated. Redemption methods and procedures: Find out things about when and how the points expire. Find out how the points are converted into miles. You may also want to know what you can use your points for. Some cards are more flexible with what your points can be used on.

Amazingly, even travel Web sites, like Orbitz and Travelocity, are getting into the mix, according to credit card experts. Such choices in the credit card travel arena really let you get the most miles out of your airline reward credit card.

Benefits

Special offers and promotions are also offered to the owners of these rewards credit cards. Backstage passes, free music downloads and guest benefits are only some of the ways owners of this type of rewards credit card will benefit.

Program

Cards like the Subaru® Platinum MasterCard® from Chase can used to save towards a new Subaru or Subaru parts & service, however, the annual reward limit of $500 is still high as that is over $16000 in annual credit card purchases. This rewards program is restrictive unless you plan to purchase a Subaru or if you actually go to the dealership for service. The annual reward limit of $500 on this card is still high as that is over $16000 in annual credit card purchases. In order to decide if a reward points program will really “reward” you, you’ll need to spend the time doing the math based on your spending habits.

When comparing credit card benefits it’s important to make sure of two things, first is to make sure you will actually use the benefits offered by the credit card issuer. Second, compare the same type of benefits offered by different credit card issuers, look at the fees, restrictions and the actual monetary benefit you will receive.

If your considering buying a home, getting an auto loan, or a new job, your credit will be a factor, and could negatively impact your ability to get a loan or a mortgage. If you would like to get the best deal possible, it is essential that you take a look at your credit report, and clean up your credit as much as possible, before you even apply for anything where credit is a factor.

First contact all three credit bureaus, Experian, Trans Union, and Equifax, and get a copy of your report. Each report will be slightly different, and you want to make sure you compare all of them, since they will need to be corrected one by one. In some cases you can get a copy of your report free, depending on the state. Also, you may get a free report bundled with offers like a credit monitoring service, but it is usually best just to get the report right on the bureau website.

Once you've received all three reports, start by reviewing the information for accuracy. For each item that is inaccurate, you will want to write a separate latter to the credit bureau, providing them with any documentation that you have available. Some of the typical errors include accounts that are listed twice, under a slightly different name, which can make it look like you owe more than you do. Another common error is companies that do not report when a loan or a debt is paid off. Once the credit bureau receives your letter, they will write to the credit company and wait for them to respond to your claim. If the credit company cannot provide proof to the contrary within 30 days, the item should be removed from your credit report.

Sometimes, you may be paying a bill regularly on-time, such as a student loan, and find that it is not listed on your credit report. On-time payment is one of the major factors that go into getting a good credit score. If you call or write these companies, and ask them to report your good standing to the credit bureaus, chances are that they will, and that can also improve your credit.

One of the key things you can do to continue to improve your credit is to make sure you always pay your bills on time. If possible, sign up for auto-deduction for any recurring bills. Auto deduction has many benefits, and it takes the time and hassle out of bill paying. Also, each time you pay a bill on time, you will be taking one step toward improving your credit.

While it can take some time and effort to clean up your credit, it is certainly possible. You will need 1-3 months to dispute any errors and have them reflected on your credit report. By being proactive, and maintaining good credit habits, your credit will improve.

Credit Cards, Credit Reports and Credit Scores. These terms are not exactly new to any of us. Neither are the implications when our own cards, reports or scores are not at their “best”. Credit scoring, first created by a group of wacky statisticians at the Fair Isaac Corporation, affects everyone out there at some point or another. All of us consumers at some time, come across an application for product, merchandise, land or property. Our credit score suddenly looms before us at these times as hugely important, even though we may have neglected it for years or simply months. It is amazing how easy it is for a credit score to change in only a small amount of time.

In the late 1950’s, a small group of statiscians in Minnesota, the Fair Isaac Corporation, wanted to have a look at how what a consumer did in the past or “historical variables” correlated with what would happen at a later date or “future behavior”. Those wacky statisticians and what fun filled conversationalists they must be, huh? Bet they’re a laugh a minute at parties.

They weren’t surprised with their results once they were finished. Turns out that these eggheads quickly discovered that the best way to predict the way a consumer would act in the future WAS based on their history of behavior. To predict whether or not a person would become seriously delinquent, it was as easy as looking at how that person had previously handled similar accounts. And of course, without a hint of egotism from those wacky statisticians, the FICO Score was born. Anyone notice any similar initials from the name of the score an perhaps some corporation?

The FICO, which to the average layperson, who typically falls asleep when sitting and trying to listen to the scientific explanation of FICO, seems to be utterly confusing. Ever changing and updating each time that any new information is gathered or entered into it’s database, credit scores can be hard to understand. Scoring systems may even sound ingenious and while this may be true, there are still several problems facing credit scoring, some of which are scientific in nature.

When using statistics for anything, several problems can arise, such as the “r” value or whether something occurred simply out of dumb luck and can be termed an “anomaly” or random act or whether it was the “average” stuff that we are looking for. Finding averages can be pretty hard when it comes to us humans and all of our random wacky acts.

Placing people in “ranges” when it comes to scores, such as the consumers who score 650-700 on their credit report, can be detrimental to some in the group. Consumers in this group who display different financial habits than the average group member can be hurt by the bad financial decisions of their group, or in turn, sometimes for the people in the same group who display bad habits, their score can still end up higher than it should because of the good habits of the rest of it’s group.

What I guess I am trying to get at is that it seems that the FICO scoring system, while good at predicting statistical trends for large groups of people, falls short when it comes to the individual credit applicant. It seems that when nothing about a persons individual situation is considered, the impersonal and “fast and easy” automation can really affect some consumers, both positively and negatively. I would personally hate to be one of those people trapped in the 650-700 range and automatically judged by the worst behavior of the entire groups bad apple.

My grandmother always use to say, every family has a bad apple in it. I guess when you lump together a group of so many individuals and expect to find an “average” behavior, we are all just humans and choose to do some wacky things and display behavior simply uncharacteristic to us and yet remain still judged in the same category. How does the behavior of people in your credit group affect you and what a wacky bunch of scientists who could have made it easier by just going out and getting laid, instead of dreaming up this system that haunts credit applicants everywhere.

An international credit card is very useful and provides a lot of convenience to frequent travelers. However, it also has a higher risk of frauds as compared to those for domestic use only.

Here are six drawbacks of an international credit card:

1. Recycle of used credit card numbers

Each day, a fair number of credit cards are being canceled. However, the card companies would reissue the same numbers to other cardholders at a later date. While the personal identification numbers (PIN), expiry dates and cardholder personal information has been changed, the same number that was used before are printed on the cards. This will expose the new cardholders to a higher risk of frauds and invalid transactions.

2. Limited Merchant Information

The account statements issued by the credit card companies usually contain limited information about the participating merchants. Most of the time, the statements contain only the date of transactions, merchant names and the amount charged to the cards. Other information such as the exact item details that were charged, cashier names and employee IDs are usually not present.

3. Delay in blocking a lost card

When a card loss is reported, it takes some time for the credit card companies to block any future transactions being made through the stolen or lost cards. The delay can be matters of days or weeks. During this interval, the stolen cards may have been used many times already.

4. Lack of Good Validation Software

Most participating merchants do not install high quality validation software in their point-of-sale systems. They leave everything to the credit card companies. This will increase the risk of frauds for the cardholders.

5. Fraud management policies are not consumer friendly

For many credit card companies, the policies on fraud management may not be very consumer friendly. While they do not put the blame on the cardholders directly, they do have terms that protect themselves from bearing the full responsibility and cost. This means that the policies on fraud management usually favor the card companies and not the consumers.

6. Investigation on fraudulent transactions is slow

Investigation into international credit card fraud is a tedious process. You have to write in to the card company and explain what has happened before they kick in any form of action. Even after they start the ball rolling, it takes a long time to gather enough evidences to bring charges to the suspects who are proven guilty of fraud.

Despite these drawbacks, an international credit card is still a very useful tool for the frequent traveler. By planning ahead and taking the necessary precautions, one can actually reduce the risks of fraud to a minimum.

Credit cards are one of the most important tools society has today. With it, you will be able to purchase the things you need even if you don’t have the cash for it just yet. In fact, many people even consider credit cards as very essential for their everyday lives.

One credit card company that provides great benefits to their card holders and also one of the most reputable and secured credit cards available is Visa. It is a known fact that Visa offers great benefits to their card holders as well as security. There may be some competition, such as American Express and MasterCard, but Visa still remains strong in the credit card business.

If you plan on getting a credit card, your best bet would be applying for a Visa credit card. Many banks and credit card issuers today offer Visa credit cards to their client. Besides, it is both reliable and secured in terms of identity theft. Also, they ensure great quality services to their clients where they offer hundreds of partners all around the world. This means that you will be able to use the credit card almost anywhere you are in the world.

Because Visa is so popular, you have to consider that applying for one can be very hard. Try to remember that Visa is one of the most reputable credit card companies in the world. The company just don’t give out their cards to just anyone. They need to trust the person who applies for their card in order to make sure that they pay for their monthly bills for their purchases.

When you do decide to apply for a Visa credit card, the most convenient way to do so is through the internet. Online application for credit cards is now one of the most popular and also the most convenient ways to get a credit card. It's fast, it's easy and it is very convenient.

You have to admit the fact that applying for a credit card can be very frustrating, especially if you have to wait for hours in a long line just to fill out an application form. It would even be more frustrating if your application was rejected because of some errors in the application form and then you have to do the whole thing all over again just to apply for a credit card.

Through online application, you will never have to experience long lines again. Many Visa credit card issuers are now using the internet for online application process. Online application is very convenient because you don’t have to visit the office of the issuer, and you don’t have to wait in long lines just to fill out an application form. All you need to do is visit the website of the Visa credit card issuer and choose the Visa credit card that's right for you.

However, before you apply online, there are certain things you have to keep in mind, such as your credit history plus your computer's security. Your credit history is one of the most important factors in applying for a credit card. You have to make sure that when you are applying for a credit card, especially for Visa, you have to have a good credit score in order to get approval for your application.

You also need to make sure that you apply online in your own computer and you have to have the necessary security software installed in order to prevent identity theft. Install an antispyware device to ensure privacy in your computer.

These are the things you have to remember when applying for a Visa credit card. Just make sure that you have a good credit score and install an antispyware device in your computer before you apply.

Credit card institutions and banks are in a big competition game, so they are trying to capture new customers who have never had a credit card and even those who already have one.

So many times when you check your mail box, you see a credit card offer with 0% APR, no annual fee, Rewards, Gas Rebate, Cash back etc. Of course it is a great benefit to everyone but what is the difference between applying by mail and applying online? Which is better?

No one can deny the fact that Online credit card applications are easier and still secure and safe. Besides, it is easier to compare credit cards online than when you receive it by mail.

When you receive a credit card offer by mail, how many times did you throw a credit card offer and how many times you had the chance to read it? Then how you could compare?

The Online process is different and there are two ways to compare credit cards:

1. You can visit each credit card bank or institution website and start browsing their credit cards.

2. OR/ You can visit credit cards websites where you'll find different card types and issuers.

Well, it is obviously easier to visit one website with so many credit card offers so you don't have to trouble yourself with searching, book-marking the issuers' websites.

How does Online Credit Card Applications websites work?

It is simple! these sites are loaded with direct links to the issuer's credit card offers and/or online applications. After reading, understanding and comparing the credit cards, and when you make up your mind to apply for a credit card you are interested in, you click on it, then this link will transfer you to the issuer's site immediately. When you receive an offer by mail, YOU SHOULD TAKE CARE!

Many of what you receive by mail are mailed by marketing companies. Here is the issue. Marketing companies send bulk mails to addresses in a random way while banks and issuers send to targeted people who are pre-approved. So you have to be aware of the 'unwanted credit cards' or the cards you have never ordered.

In brief, applying for a credit card online is more practical, secure, safer, and easier.

So what happens if you have bad credit or no credit. Should you call the number they provide in the ads? Let's look at the big picture here.

Unfortunately it is almost impossible to survive in the United States today without access to credit. It is becoming increasingly difficult to use checks to buy items in a store. Some stores and fast food restaurants will not accept checks at all. If you do not have the cash or credit card you are out of luck.

What are secured credit cards??

If you are one of the unfortunate people to have a low credit score or perhaps no credit score at all, it can be difficult to get that first credit card. If you find yourself in the position of needing a credit card but unable to get one consider a secured credit card.

A secured credit card is a type of credit card that requires a deposit of money into an account where it is held until you have shown your credit worthiness. The period of time varies with the card applied for. At first it seems strange that you need the money you want to get in credit in order to get a credit card, but the creditor needs assurance that you will honor your debt.

Creditors usually get the information on your ability and likeliness that you will pay your debt from your credit score. If you have no credit history or a bad credit history they want the deposit to guarantee they will be paid.

Typically, the applicant must put down 100% of the requested credit limit. You are still expected to make regular monthly payments, but if you default on your card the credit card issuer is able to recover the cost of the purchases from the deposit. Although the deposit is in the hands of the credit card issuer as security in the event of default by the consumer, the deposit will not be credited simply for missing one or two payments. It is usually held in the event the card has a severe delinquency of 150 to 180 days.

The advantage of the secured card for an individual with negative or no credit history is that most secured credit card companies report regularly to the major credit bureaus. This allows for rebuilding of positive credit history.

Secured credit cards allow a person with a poor credit history or no credit history to have a credit card which they otherwise would not be able to get. They are often seen and offered as a means of rebuilding one's credit. Secured credit cards are available with both Visa and MasterCard logos on them.

It should be noted that fees and service charges for secured credit cards often exceed those charged for ordinary non-secured credit cards. However, for people in certain situations, secured cards can often be less expensive in total cost than unsecured credit cards, even including the security deposit.

It is important to shop around for a secured credit card because the terms and conditions vary greatly. Also certain secured credit cards are a red flag on a credit report signifying the person is a potential bad risk.

Your credit score affects you in more ways than you realize. Your credit score will tell lenders how likely you are going to pay your bills. As such, the credit score becomes their basis whether they should approve your credit application or not. The exact formulas for calculating credit scores are closely guarded secrets.

The three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) that are responsible for assigning credit scores to consumers based on information found in their credit reports charge a small fee whenever you request a copy of your credit score. Lenders use credit scores to determine who qualifies for a loan, at what interest rate, and what credit limits.

When you apply for a loan or a credit line, usually it’s because you are in need of the line of credit. Banks and other institutions that use scores as a factor in their lending decisions may deny credit, charge higher interest rates, or require more extensive income and asset verification if the applicant's credit score is low.

When you want to purchase a car or acquire a land through mortgage, it is wise to know your credit score. You are advised to regularly check your free credit report and score to keep track of any adverse changes that could lower down your score. To guard against inaccurate information or fraud more often than yearly, one can request a report from a different credit reporting agency each four months. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.

According to Jan Davis, Executive Vice-President of TransUnion, opening a new line will just decrease your score because you do not have a track record. Some lenders do not rely solely on the credit score scales released by these three credit bureaus. In the United States, credit rating attempts to measure the comparison of a potential borrower who fails to pay or other required obligations in a specific period of time.

Now, you can find out what your credit score is by contacting any credit reporting agency authorized to release free credit scores or accessing their respective sites. There are several ways for you to repair credit score and the following steps guarantee that it will happen, though not overnight: Get Your Credit Reports and Remember, it’s credit reports get them all. Any outstanding bills at or on the limit credit line will factor deeply with your credit score. It is important to bring down the total amount of outstanding debt you have.

As an online merchant accepting credit card payments, you have numerous security issues that you must be aware of for the safety of your business and your consumers. At this time, there are two main aspects of credit card security for credit card processing, including “AVS” and “CVV”. Both allow credit card transactions to be completed anonymously over the internet, and any merchant accepting credit cards online should require both forms of information of your customers.

Address Verification Service

The “AVS”, or address verification service, is used to determine that the address provided by a customer matches the address associated with a credit card account. This helps generate confidence that the person who is entering the credit card details is the person who owns it. While the AVS is not required to process credit card transactions, when it is provided the transaction processor will send a response back with details of how much of the address provided matches the address on the credit card.

A credit card will not be denied if the address is entered wrong, it is up to the merchant to decide what to do if the address only matches partially or not at all. You can deny the sale, or require the buyer submit additional information, or give them the opportunity to correct the address information, before processing the transaction.

Card Verification Value

The “CVV”, or card verification value, sometimes referred to as the CVV-2 is a three to four digit number found on the back of American Express, MasterCard and Visa cards. It’s on the card but not on any statements, so that if an individual has found a credit card statement in the trash, they aren’t able to complete a sale that requires the CVV code for verification purposes. When a customer is able to enter the CVV code, it’s a strong indication that the customer has the credit card in hand, which increases the potential of the card belonging to the person who is attempting to use it to make a purchase online.

Most credit card fraud online occurs when a thief has found a discarded receipt or a thrown out credit card statement, but by requiring the CVV code, the merchant can eliminate that type of fraud.

If a CVV number is entered and is incorrect, the transaction will be declined by the credit card issuer.

Providing Consumers with Top Security

If you are going to accept credit cards online for payment for products or services offered through your website, it’s imperative that you provide your customers with a guarantee that you’re protecting their credit card information.

Credit card processing typically requires that the customer’s information is transferred about four times, which means there are four instances when someone could gain access to the cardholder’s details. When a customer first sends the credit card information to you via your checkout or web based form. You are solely responsible for security as the internet merchant, at this stage in the credit card transaction process. Having a secure server and a valid security certificate with the https protocol will protect and encrypt private information you receive from customers.

You will want to be sure that the credit card transaction processing software you use for your business is secure by using a reputable processing company. As customer information is moved in and out of a database through the transaction process, the security must be top of the line- and this is ensured by choosing a solid company that offers encrypted software for this part of the process.

Finally, when customer credit card information is viewed or handled by you or your staff, it’s important that you ensure security at this stage as well.

Finally, your dream of becoming a business owner has come true. You have your business plan ready, you have worked everything out, contacts with the suppliers has been made, deals and agreements are looming, but you still don’t have a business credit card. So what? Is it really that important?

As a matter of fact, yes! Business credit cards have been rising in popularity these days because of the many conveniences and benefits they offer. You get to hold on to your cash until they are really necessary to spend and you get to partake on big projects even if you don't have the necessary resources at the precise moment. Plus, you also get many rewards, cash backs, zero percent APR's, low interest rates and a lot more credit card offers which could benefit your business so much.

All of us already know how beneficial credit cards can be, whether personal or for a business. But with so many credit card companies coming up with different versions of the credit card, it can be quite confusing sometimes to choose which one would really benefit you.

But luckily, this competition has also brought out a wide variety of credit card offers that has made owning accredit card some kind of an investment. You at least get to have something in return for all the purchases you have made. This benefits and offers have made owning a credit card a necessity.

Plus, with the advent of the Internet technology, it is now easier for us to compare credit card offers and the actual application for one. This innovation has scrapped the necessity to actually and physically go to brick and mortar bank establishments to inquire about getting a business credit card. And you don’t have to keep going to different banks just to compare.

All you have to do is just log in to the internet, find a credible website that offers online application for a business credit card and you're good to go. But then again, it's not that simple. Admittedly, there are sites in the internet that was specifically put up just to steal your money or your identity. So it is imperative that a site should be extensively scrutinized to avoid being taken for a ride. But don’t worry; the process is still easier and faster than having to actually go to a bank.

When you have finally found a credit card online application site, what you need to do next is to compare all of the credit card offers that they have inside. Try to consider the nature of your business, its size, its needs and its potentiality. Try to apply these aspects to the offers being provided by each business credit card.

When you think you have found the right business card for your business, read all the policies, agreements and especially the fine print. Some of these offers may not last long and you may end up losing more in the end. Also, there are loopholes which could have been placed in the fine print which could ender your agreement null and void under some circumstances which could cause you to lose all the benefits you thought you were going to end.

If you feel satisfied with your choice, then go ahead and file your application. The actual application only takes a few minutes wherein all you have to do is provide some information that they will be asking from you. And there it is, just wait for your approval and you have your own business credit card applied for online.

Myth 1: You have One Credit Score
The truth is that you have three credit scores, one from each of the three major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, who use the same formula to calculate your number. Your score may vary between the three agencies by as much as 50 points because the information they have on you may differ and they don not share the same data between bureaus. One bureau's records may reflect a longer period of time or a lender may have shared your credit information with only one of the three bureaus. Unless the scores are extremely different, most lenders will use the middle score when they consider your application.

Myth 2: You will be Penalized for Checking Your Score
There is absolutely no negative impact on your score. In fact, you should check your score at least twice each year and more often if you are applying for credit or loans.

Myth 3: Personal Information and Income Impact Score
Your score is not based on your age, sex, or income. Although your employment status is included on the credit report, it has not affect on the score. Your net worth is not factored into your score - it is based solely on how you handle your credit and loans.

Myth 4: Shopping for a Loan Hurts Your Score
Even though it is true that too many inquiries checking your credit score can negatively affect your score, this is only the case when the appeals are scattered over a period of time. The score is set up to take into account that even though you are only looking for one loan, multiple lenders may request (make and inquiry) your credit report. For that reason, all mortgage or auto inquiries made in the 30 days prior to when you choose your loan will not affect your score. Be a smart consumer and shop around for your best deal just be aware of lapses in time between inquires so your score is not negatively impacted.

Myth 5: Closing Accounts will Boost Score
Although too many credit accounts may have a negative affect on your credit score, canceling them may even make it worse. The percentage of credit that is available to you is compared against the amount that you borrow. When you close an account, the amount of available credit decreases which results in a higher ratio of debt to available credit and can hurt your credit score. Also, the longer you maintain a credit account the more valuable it is to your credit score. If you must close an account, choose a more recent account.

Myth 6: Credit Counseling Hurts Your Credit Score
The way your score is calculated ignores any reference to credit counseling that may be in your file. It was found that people who get credit counseling don not default on their debts any more often than those who have not sought counseling.

Myth 7: Your Credit Score can be repaired by Paying off Your Debts
Your credit score is based on your past behavior not your current debt. Of course, paying down your debts will help offset a bad history but it will not undo the damage already done. Patience and responsible behavior are the two elements that will help improve your credit score.

Myth 8: Quick Fixes Offered by Companies
One of the cruelest myths that many people fall for when repairing a credit score is the quick-fix offers by credit repair companies. There is simply no quick fix for a bad credit score. Your score can only be improved by managing your debt responsibly.

Standard credit cards and prepaid debit cards are identical when using them to make a purchase. Merchants readily accept either type of card because they are guaranteed payment by the card issuer. However, there are a few important differences between a standard credit card and a prepaid debit card (sometimes called a prepaid credit card) that may help you decide which to use.

The biggest difference is how the money is made available to you.

• Prepaid Debit Cards essentially convert paper currency into electronic currency accessed via a plastic card. The available funds are limited to what is deposited or drawn down from the account. These cards are available to those with less than perfect credit because the risk to the lender is practically nonexistent.

• With a standard credit card, you are borrowing the lender's money with the promise of repayment. There is no need for a security deposit when you are approved for a standard credit card.

The difference in convenience

• When it comes to convenience the prepaid debit card is only as convenient as you have funds remaining in your account. Although they look like a credit card, it is better to think of them as a check.

• With a standard card your credit limit is typically a generous amount that would be difficult for most people to deposit into a prepaid account.

Fees and term differences

•

With a prepaid debit card there will usually be an activation fee, monthly service fees and fees to use an ATM.

• A standard credit card agreement is typically free of application fees or service fees. Interest rates, over-limit and late fees need to be reviewed when considering a credit card.

Differences in protection

• Credit card users have additional protections that prepaid debit card users do not have. When an item is purchased with a credit card and the buyer has an issue that cannot be resolved with the seller, the issuing bank often offers safeguards for the consumer. Cardholders can dispute or stop payment of the charge.

• When a purchase is made using a prepaid debit card, there is no remedy when you have a problem with that purchase. Buyer beware!

An online risk monitoring and management solutions provider today announced its latest report Online Financial Fraud and Identity Theft which highlights the growth of Internet attacks and identifies the industries most at risk.

Using intelligence collected through its Internet monitoring technology, their security experts have identified that the two leading online identity theft risks, phishing and malware, increased significantly in the first two months of 2007 with the number being phished growing by 50 percent and malware attacks growing by 200 percent. As part of its research, the company has also specifically identified more than 1 million suspected stolen social security numbers on the Internet, in just the last two months.

The largest increases in Phishing attacks have targeted organizations in the following industries:

•Credit Unions – 584 percent increase
•Associations – 329 percent increase
*Banks – 325 percent increase
•Insurance – 300 percent increase
•Payment Services – 285 percent increase

In computing, phishing is a criminal activity attempting to fraudulently acquire sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords and credit card, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Ebay and Paypal are two of the most targeted companies, and online banks are also common targets. Phishing is typically carried out using email or an instant message and often directs users to a bogus website.

Malware is software specifically designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent. The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code.

Many normal computer users are however still unfamiliar with the term, and most never use it. Instead, virus is used in common parlance and often in the general media to describe all kinds of malware.

According to the Federal Trade Commission website, there were more than 686,000 complaints filed with the agency in 2006. The complaints, filed online or at a toll-free number, are shared via a secure database with more than 1,400 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, and law enforcement and consumer protection agencies. “With a call or a click, consumers can file complaints with law enforcers across the country and around the world,” said Deborah Platt Majoras, Chairman of the FTC. “These reports provide ammunition that helps law enforcers fight fraud and identity theft.” Identity theft complaints represented 37 percent of the 686,683 complaints filed.

Other findings from the report include:

•Internet-related complaints accounted for 46 percent of all fraud complaints.
•The percent of Internet-related fraud complaints with “wire transfer” as the reported payment method more than tripled between 2003 and 2005.
•The major metropolitan areas with the highest per capita rates of consumer fraud reported were Washington, DC; Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater, FL; and Seattle, WA.
•Credit card fraud was the most common form of reported identity theft, followed by phone or utilities fraud, bank fraud, and employment fraud.
•The most frequently reported type of identity theft bank fraud was electronic funds transfers.
•The major metropolitan areas with the highest per capita rates of reported identity theft were Phoenix/Mesa/Scottsdale, AZ; Las Vegas/Paradise, NV; and Riverside/San Bernardino/Ontario, CA.

The President’s Identity Theft Task Force has adopted recommendations on measures that can be implemented immediately to help address the problem of identity theft, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales and Federal Trade Commission Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras announced. The Identity Theft Task Force, which was established by Executive Order of the President on May 10, 2006, and is now comprised of 17 federal agencies and departments.

“As with any crime, victims of identity theft suffer feelings of violation and stress, but in these cases, victims have the added burden of cleaning up the mess that the identity thieves leave behind,” said Attorney General Gonzales.

“Conquering identity theft demands that we work as a team to develop tools that strengthen law enforcement, practices that enhance data security, and programs that help consumers in prevention and recovery,” said FTC Chairman Majoras. “Through these initiatives, we are taking solid steps toward eradicating this persistent consumer problem.”

Believe it or not, there are many types of credit cards people with bad credit can be approved for. They are all are unsecured cards with fairly good terms, unsecured cards with expensive fees and interest rates, and the last type is secured credit cards. Many times people with bad credit believe that they just can't get approved for anything. The problem is they often applied for credit cards that just don't accept borrowers with less than perfect credit.

The trick is you have to know where to look to find a credit card with a card issuer that accepts less-than-perfect credit scores. There are plenty of lenders out there who have credit cards people with bad credit can get approved for.

Want to get a bad credit unsecured credit card? There are several banks to offer unsecured credit cards. The terms very from low or no fees to fees as much as $300 to get approved for an unsecured credit card. The things you need to look for are fees that are charged upfront to apply, monthly maintenance fees that are ongoing, and high interest rates.

Some lenders offer unsecured credit cards to people with bad credit that have no application fees, and reasonable annual fees, under $50. While the interest rates will be higher than individuals with good credit, not paying upfront fees makes these unsecured credit cards. The best ones to apply for first.

Another type of unsecured credit cards, people with bad credit can apply for our credit cards that focus on individuals with very poor credit. These unsecured cards, while available, requires that you pay up front application fees, monthly maintenance fees, and other fees that could total as much as $250-$300 before you even charged one item. In addition, your interest rates will be high on these products. However, if you want an unsecured card, and don't want to put a deposit down with the bank to get a credit card, these types of unsecured products may be the way to go.

The final type of credit product is the secured credit card. If you have very bad credit, you can put a deposit down with the bank and get a credit card in the amount of your deposit. There may be some high application and maintenance fees, as well as interest rates, associate with this product. However, upon successful repayment of these credit cards, you get your deposit back. If you are unable to get approved for any other type of credit, approval for a secured product is virtually guaranteed because the bank has its security in the hands when it issues your card. You can use these cards to rebuild credit. Within six months, or maybe one year, you will have established much better credit and will qualify for better terms on other credit products.

The bottom line is that lenders for all of these products will report your credit card history to the three major credit bureaus. As a result, successful repayment of these products can help you rebuild your credit, even if they are artificially high fees. If you are trying to rebuild your credit score, using one of these credit cards people with bad credit can get approved for is the least expensive way to get a fresh start on a are a we good credit history.

Amid stiff competitions, credit card providers are coming up with different types of cards targeting different categories of people with different features and offering target specific benefits. Besides the standard credit cards for general public, there are student credit cards, business credit cards, store credit cards, airline credit cards, gas credit cards, teen credit cards, etc. These cards are specially meant for the targeted group of people.

Standard credit cards: Almost all the credit card providers offer standard credit card meant for general public. They are unsecured credit cards that are available to people without any guarantee, security or mortgage from the users. The credit card companies generally see the credit rating of the applicant before providing the credit cards. In this category, you can get low interest credit cards and credit cards with reward points.

Business credit cards: Many card providers offer credit cards for small businesses. You should know the use of business credit card if you want apply for one. Having a business credit card can be a huge help to the company in a great many ways. However, if you are not careful, it could also have its disadvantages as well. You should understand what the credit card company is offering, how you can take advantage of it. Business credit card facilitates various business transactions that will make your life easy and comfortable.

Student credit cards: Students credit cards are meant for college and university students. Most card providers ask eligibility criteria for the applicants of student credit card that you should be 18 years old and you should be enrolled in a college or a university. Credit card companies offer student-specific benefits in the purchases with the student credit cards. The card providers also facilitate students to pay college fees with the card. There are many other benefits you can avail by using the student credit cards.

Gas credit card: With this card, you can purchase gas at the pump or at the convenience store. Some gas card provides reward with the purchase of gas with card. You can earn cash back rewards and rebates in purchases.

Travel credit cards: One such card available is airline miles reward credit card. It is offered in partnership with a credit card company and an airline company. This card allows you to earn points or miles for every dollar spent with the card. After earning a certain number of points, you can get ticket for air travel with the applicable airline. Airline miles reward credit cards also provide more travel-related benefits then other credit cards, like a higher amount of travel insurance coverage.

Balance transfer credit card: You can save hundreds of dollars with the balance transfer credit cards. Some credit card offer 0% introductory APRs for six to 12 months in every transactions you make. So you can transfer your balance from a loan which has high interest rate to a card which offers 0% APRs.

Credit cards for bad credit: This is a special type of credit card for people with bad credit. The card companies put some restrictions not typically found on other types of cards. The credit card limit is lower in such cards. Some companies ask for some type of security from the applicant before providing the credit card. They may ask you to maintain a savings or some other type of account that will cover the expenses on the credit card.

Besides, credit card companies are offering cash reward cards to attract the prospective customers. They offer cash rewards in every purchases made with the card, discounts in the selected products purchases from some partnered companies or selected stores. Credit card companies are also providing store specific card meant for purchases in the select general or convenience store only.