Credit Cards – Other Benefits

admin — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 06:58:55 +0000

Credit cards are here to stay for the multiple benefits associated with them. We already know that credit cards act as a convenient payment mode for shopping, they are safer to carry as compared to cash, they help build a credit rating which can be used for getting fast approval on loans etc, and they are there to help when you need credit. However, there are other benefits too which one should be aware of as well. Let’s check what these other benefits are:

1. Travel Insurance

A lot of credit cards have travel insurance built into them as an inherent feature. So if you are one of those who travel frequently, this benefit could be a real boon. However, you should always check if this travel insurance is enough for you. Also check the terms and conditions associated with such insurance. Loss of baggage is something which is almost invariably covered with such insurance.

2. Discounts for travelers

A number of credit card companies have tie-ups or association with various hotel chains, car rental agencies and airlines etc. For frequent travelers, this is sometimes one of the main criterion or deciding factor in choosing a credit card. These discounts are sometimes pretty attractive and your credit card may become a cash saver for you. Sometimes an airline might offer a credit card too (a co-branded credit card for example) where-in the benefits would be more travel oriented than other cards. This could include things like earning additional miles for payments made using their credit card or some kind of preferential treatment etc.

3. Discount for shoppers

If you are one of those who likes to shop at some particular shops (retail chains) which are your favorites, then you might like to check if you have some additional benefits available on your credit card. These could be there as a result of partnership or affiliation links with the retail chain. Whenever you pay for your purchases using your credit card, you either get a discount or additional membership rewards points. Some of the retail chains float their own co-branded credit cards too and it could be good to consider them too.

4. Membership Rewards

Most of the credit card suppliers run membership rewards programs too. Some of these are free to join whereas others might have a small fee associated with them. The ones with fee obviously offer more attractive rewards as compared to the free ones. So once you subscribe to a membership program (either explicitly or implicitly) you start earning reward points on whatever payments you make using your credit card. As you accumulate points, you become eligible for rewards which are based on the number of membership reward points you hold on your credit card. You can barter these points for attractive gifts. If you are a heavy user of your credit card, you will accumulate the points faster. Watches, bags, wine and a whole lot of good stuff can be bought using these reward points. So keep track of your reward points.

5. Cash back

Some credit card companies provide you with cash back option too where-in you might get a certain percentage of money back, if you spend more than a certain amount on your credit card. These are really good offers. Nothing can match a thing like cash back.

So, read all the benefits being offered on your credit card. You never know when one could become handy.

Secured Personal Loan-making Use of your Assets

admin — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 04:15:35 +0000

Any property whether it be movable or stagnant has got some time value. When we are overwhelmed with the burden of a number of loans, we need to explore options which are less burdensome. In such situations it’s a smart choice to get benefit of your property like home, land, shares or any other valuables. The personal loans which are lent against collateral are nothing but secured personal loans. The major aspect which compels a customer to go for this loan is it’s relatively lower interest rate.

A customer generally makes his decision of a loan on the basis of two factors: first the interest rate and second the repayment period. Secured personal loan gives a borrower both: the pleasure of availing the loan at a rate of as low as 9% APR as well as the liberty to repay it in the duration of 3 to 25 years. The loan amount is one of the additional features of secured personal loan that attracts a customer in need. Any amount between £5000 and £75000 can be availed depending on the value of collateral and the credit score of the customer.

As far as the eligibility is concerned any UK citizen above 18 years of age fulfils the basic criterion. The lending firms are mainly concerned about evaluation of the collateral. Credit score doesn’t play a decisive role in getting your loan sanctioned as being a secured loan, the risk factor associated with it gets eliminated. But from this statement it can’t be deduced that credit rating has nothing to do with secured personal loan. Of course it backs your candidature to avail what you demand from the lender. Secured personal car loan, secured personal home improvement loan and many more such loans are framed according to specific spheres. Secured personal bad credit loan is also a good option for those having really bad credit scores.

All the aspects of secured personal loan pursue strong arguments in favor of it except the fact that it may be extremely harmful if you are quite careless in making the repayments. In case a borrower proves to be a defaulter, the lenders have the full authority to takeover the collateral. So just be conscious about your income and timely repayments, make the best choice of the lender and enjoy the life with ease!

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Credit Cards – Other Benefits

Secured Personal Loan-making Use of your Assets