June 19, 2008

Learn About The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act and the FTC

Many in America are worried about false and degrading information on their credit reports. In fact the problem is so bad that it is said to be that one in three Americans have bogus information on their credit report. The Federal Trade Commission has been put in charge of enforcing the FACT Act or Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act. In their request for their FY 2007 Budget the FTC stated that:

“The FTC continued to implement and use, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act to further address the problem of identify theft. Consumers nationwide now are able to request a free annual credit report. In November 2004, the FTC issued its final rule regarding the proper disposal of consumer report information and records, the final summary of rights for identity theft, the final summary of general consumer rights, and revised furnisher and user notices.”

Yet if you read this carefully they did little if anything to help consumers, instead passed off their obligations to corporate credit reporting companies in my opinion of which there are only four. The FTC then used this as a reason to request more funds from Congress in FY 2005, yet they embellish their actual involvement and protection to the consumer.

“In December 2004, the FTC issued a report to Congress on credit report accuracy and completeness.”

So what they made a report? Big deal how does this help the consumer who is paying the bill with US Taxpayers monies? But they go on to state:

“In January 2005, the FTC issued the final regulation to improve required notices in prescreened offers for credit or insurance. And, in June 2005, a new rule required businesses and individuals to take appropriate measures to dispose of sensitive information derived from consumer reports. The FTC also continued to work on the numerous additional rules and reports mandated by the Act.”

So here we are in 2006 and so far all the FTC has done is hold hearings, written two reports and states they need more money to continue to work on it? What on Earth are we saying here? That the FTC once it gets something to do, whether or not it does it or not, it still requires more taxpayers money? What on Earth for? Close that agency; they are wasting our money in my opinion. Consider this in 2006.

Lance Winslow - EzineArticles Expert Author

“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

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May 21, 2008

Providian Credit Cards

You may have received an offer in the mail to apply for a
Providian credit card. Why should you follow through? Simply
put, this is a chance to get a 0 apr credit card online. With
no interest for a trial period, you can pay out your balance
transfers without accruing any extra interest payments. Plus,
the Providian website makes it easy to get instant credit card
approval.

Find The Providian Credit Card

Go online and visit http://www.providian.com to see the
features listed for the 0 apr credit card. The website lets
you know that Providian has recently joined with Washington
Mutual, a well respected banking institution. They will
continue to provide excellent credit card services and will
have the added benefit of the Washington mutual stable of
financial services as well.

Click on the link to the page listing information about the
Providian Visa Platinum Card. Here you will see the basic
features of the card and a few options before you fill out
your application.

Features

The Providian Visa Platinum Card is somewhat unique in that
it offers consumers a full twelve months without interest on
Balance transfers. This means that you can transfer any
amount you owe to other credit card companies to your new
Providian account and get instant credit card consolidation.

Many people look for ways to decrease their credit card debt
and to free up extra cash for monthly expenses. Transferring
your debt to a Providian credit card is an excellent option.
You get a grace period of twelve months to pay down your
debt and not accrue interest. You also get a low apr once the
twelve month period is finished.

With the Providian Visa Platinum Card, you pay no annual fee.
You get the following services and the quality of the Providian with its 0 apr credit card is the online access toaccount information. While most companies offer access to
balances, transaction histories, payment histories, and the
like, Providian offers customers access to their credit score.
Providian offers full disclosure about the reporting they do
to major credit bureaus. You may check your credit score with
these companies at any time of day or night. As your credit
history with Providian increases, you may check the changes
in your score. The twelve moth trial period during which you
pay no interest on your balance transfers could make a drastic
difference in your credit rating if you make prompt and regular
payments on your principle. With Providian on your side, you
can monitor your own credit rating without having to request
repeated reports from credit bureaus.

The Providian Visa Platinum Card also offers instant credit
card discounts at many popular retailers and restaurants. If
you keep your account up to date, make your payments on time,
and do not surpass your credit limit, your Providian credit
card will automatically give you great deals on products and
services you enjoy.

Need A Credit Card. Checkout http://www.Search-Quality-Credit.com
For The Best APR’s And The Hottest Reward Programs!

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May 4, 2008

Find the Best Cash Back Credit Cards

If you are not a frequent flyer or interested in gift certificates to stores you rarely visit, then cash may be much more appealing to you. A cash back credit card can get some of the money you spend right back into your wallet.

Sounds rather funny that a credit card company would offer you cash back on purchases that you make. In fact, some offers are rather hilarious. But picking the best cash back credit cards can be sticky business. But knowing what to look out for can leave you running to the bank with extra cash in hand.

Read Between The Lines

Let’s take a look at examples of what cash back credit card companies often offer:

Card one: “Earn a full 1% cash back on purchases at your local gas station.” Card two: “Earn up to 1% cash back on purchases at your local gas station.”

These two cash back credit cards see to offer the same, but look at them again closely. Earning “a full 1%” sounds almost the same as “up to 1%.” Consider this illustration… if you spend $1000 at your favorite store, you will earn $10 back from card one. If you do the same with card two, your cash back could be anywhere from $1 to $10. You are not guaranteed $10. The “up to 1%” may involve restrictions that require you to reach specific spending amounts.

Here’s another example:

Card one: “Earn 5% cash back on purchases.” Card two: “Earn 5% cash back on all purchases.”

Again, these two cash back credits cards appear to have the same cash back terms. However, one generalizes “purchases” while the other specifies “all purchases.” What could this mean? Well, cash back credit card issuers sometimes pay for money you spend at any place of your choice. However, other card companies will credit you with cash back only if you make a purchase at designated locations that they specify.

Before signing up for any cash back credit cards, be sure to read between the lines — or more appropriately, read the fine print.

Cash In On The Best Cash Back Credit Cards

Most cash back credit cards offer actual cash as rewards for purchases. When considering different offers, be sure that cash is what you get, rather than gift certificates or points that are redeemable only at specific stores.

Some cash back credit cards offer a single percentage option that you can earn in cash back. Others may offer more than one. For example, you might earn 1% on all purchases, but 2% if at a particular retail outlet affiliated with the credit card company. So, if you spend $1000, then you’ll get back $10. Spend $1000 at the special location and earn $20 cash back. Try get the most cash back by cashing in on the higher percentages.

In addition, a cash back credit card might specify that you may earn “up to” a certain amount or percentage - this may mean that you won’t necessarily get a full 1% cash back unless you make a larger number of purchases. There might also be a limit on the amount you can get back.

And lastly, many cash back offers give you a limited time in which must qualify for any cash back amounts. If you plan on taking advantage of these offers, make sure that you do so well within the timeframe specified or you may lose your benefits.

When evaluating any cash back credit card offers, be sure to pay close attention to the wording use in advertising. And before applying for a card, read the fine print to be sure that you are getting one of the best cash back credit cards.

For more on cash back credit cards available in the marketplace, Robert Alan recommends that you visit CreditCardAssist.com

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