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FastFind Credit Card™ is your fast and easy resource for learning about credit cards. Whether you are looking to apply for a credit card with 0 APR, airline points, discount benefits, or get a bad credit credit card, we have the answers that can help you find the type of credit card you want. FastFind Credit Card™ provides answers to questions about protecting yourself from identity theft, managing your credit card debt, and even contains an interest calculator.
We have created four broad categories of credit card offerings:
Excellent Credit
Visit our Excellent Credit section if you have a great credit score and want to apply for a credit card with specific benefits such as a low interest rate, airline points or discount benefits. Some Credit Problems
Visit our Some Credit Problems section if you have had some problems with your credit history such as late payments, but still want to apply for a credit card with specific benefits and features. Major Credit Problems
Visit our Major Credit Problems if you had problems with bad credit and want to start rebuilding your credit with a bad credit credit card. Little or No Credit History
Visit our Little or No Credit History section if you don’t have any credit history and want to get started on an onlinecredit card application. Student
Visit our Student section if you are a student and are looking for a credit card to help pay for school expenses or pay for an online college degree.
How First Time Credit Card Users Can Manage Their Debt Credit Cards can be an important financial tool to help you buy without carrying cash, make purchases in an emergency and help you establish a credit history. However, it’s important to spend wisely so you don’t run up credit card debt and damage your credit before you’ve gotten started. Here are some helpful tips for people just starting to build their credit: - Track your expenses. It may seem hard, but really the hard part is deciding to start. Just keep a record of what you normally spend your money on. For example, how much do you spend on your mortgage, rent, school fees, utilities, etc. Then develop a budget based on the difference between how much you make and how much you spend.
- Pay your credit card bills on time. Paying bills late and acquiring credit card debt not only means that you have to pay late charges; it can damage your credit history. Consider enrolling in automated and instant credit card payment plans. These instant credit card payments will prevent you from being late and keep your credit card interest low.
- When looking for a credit card, shop around for the best credit card offer. Fill out a credit card application for a credit card that meets your needs.
- Remember, one of the benefits of a credit card is you can dispute charges. So, keep copies of sales slips and compare charges when statements arrive. If there’s a mistake, contact your credit card company immediately.
- Always make at least the minimum credit card payment. Even if you pay off your credit card the next month, the month you didn’t pay will lead to a “bad credit”credit card history.
- Pay attention to your credit card’s Annual Percentage Rate (APR), which will control how much you get charged for not paying off your balance. The amount you’ll pay each month is your APR divided by 12. If possible, try to find a 0 APR credit card or a low interest credit card.
- Be aware of your rights. As a credit card consumer, you have certain rights, which have been established through the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Truth In Lending Act, and Fair Credit Billing Act.
How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft Identity theft is when someone gains access to your identifying information to commit theft or fraud. Identity thieves may open credit card accounts or even apply for mortgage loans. Here are some tips to help you protect your identity: - Shred financial documents, don’t just throw them away. Discarded credit card applications and offers are a popular target for identity thieves
- Leave your Social Security Card at home, not in your wallet.
- Pick up your ATM or credit card receipts.
- Always notify your bank or other issuers when you change your address or phone number.
- Contact your credit card company for their policy contacting you regarding suspicious charges.
What You Should Know about Shopping on the Internet Using Credit Cards to shop from the comfort of your own home can be convenient, but it’s important to take some of the same precautions that you would at a physical store to avoid credit card fraud. - Only shop with reputable companies that have a physical address and a contact number.
- Only shop at sites that offer secure ordering. Before giving out your credit information, check that the checkout page uses a secure server. If the address starts with https, then that site is using a secure server.
- Take the time to read the companies privacy policy, which should be listed on their Website.
- Remember online shopping is covered by the same protection as shopping a store. The Fair Credit Billing Act protects you in cases of fraud or billing errors.
What Are Some Tips That Could Save You Money - Check your credit card bills for errors. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you are protected in cases of fraud or billing errors.
- If you own a house, you might want to refinance your mortgage or get a home equity loan to consolidate your debts.
- Compare prices before you buy, especially when making large purchases.
- If you are thinking of getting a credit card and you have good credit, shop around for a 0 APR credit card or low interest credit card.
- Budget your money based on your monthly expenses. Then when you want to buy luxuries, you know what you can afford. If you get items because they"re on sale, you aren"t saving. It’s not a bargain if you don’t need it.
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