credit cards

Tag: credit cards

18
Jul
2021

Take Some Tips With You On Your Credit Score Improvement Journey

Many people end up with bad credit scores because of the job market or simply the cost of living. Read on for some insightful techniques to improve your credit.

If you need to repair your credit, the first step is to come up with a workable plan and stick to it. Making changes to become a wise spender means you have to make a budget and rules, then follow them. Don’t buy anything unless you absolutely need it. Put each potential purchase to the test: is it within your means and is it something that you really need?

Strong Credit

If you have credit cards with a balance that exceeds 50% of your credit limit, you must continue to pay on them until the balance is lower than 50% of the credit limit. If you let your balances get too high, your credit rating will drop significantly. You can either spread your debt out by transferring some of the balance to low interest cards, or better yet, pay off as much as you can.

When you have better credit, you will be offered lower interest rates on loans and credit cards. You’ll be able to make your payments more easily and get your debt paid off quickly. It’s important to look for a strong credit offer with competitive rates; it will make paying off your debt and keeping a strong credit score much easier.

Good credit isn’t worth much if you are in lockup. There are schemes online that will show you how to establish an additional credit file. Creating a new credit file is very illegal and you can be easily caught. Taking these short cuts will end up costing you money and could lead to a stay in jail.

Before going into debt settlement, find out how it will affect your credit score. Some agreements won’t hurt you as much as others. This is why you should research all of the available ones for you before signing an agreement. They do not worry about how your credit score looks; they want to get money.

Try an installment account to get a better credit score and make some money. An installment account requires a monthly payment, make sure you can afford it. You will improve your credit score by properly managing an installment account.

Close all your credit cards except for one as a means of repairing your credit. Make necessary arrangements to set up payments, or transfer the balance to your remaining account. By doing this, you can work towards completely paying off one credit card with a large debt, rather than working piecemeal with many smaller debts.

If you and a creditor agree on a payment plan, make sure the agreement is committed to paper. The documentation you gain from the creditor is important in case the company changes ownership or the creditor is no longer interested in the deal. If you have finished paying it off, you should request a confirmation so you can send it to the credit reporting agencies.

Do everything you can to avoid filing bankruptcy. This will show up on your credit for around 10 years. It may sound like a good idea at the time to rid yourself of all your debt, but it will affect you later on. By filing for bankruptcy, you might have a lot of trouble getting a credit card or qualifying for a loan in the future.

To avoid paying too much, you can refuse to pay off huge interest rates. The incredibly high interest rates can get challenged and reduced in some situations. However, you did sign an agreement to pay the interest. The only way you are legally able to sue the creditors is if you are able to prove that your interest rates are much too high.

If credit improvement is something you have been considering, the first step would be to pay down your credit card balances. Begin by paying down those credit cards that carry the highest interest rates or the highest balances. Doing so shows your creditors that you are taking your debt problem seriously.

There is no reason to put off starting to repair your credit now that you’ve learned how to do so. Act now to start on the road to improving your life by improving your credit.

10
Jul
2021

How To Find The Cheapest Interest Rate On A Credit Card

categories: Personal Finance

You will always need to carry some cash in your purse or wallet, but charge cards are what money exchange will ultimately become. Banks are increasing the costs associated with debit cards and other accounts, so people are choosing to utilize bank cards for their transactions. Continue reading to find out how these cards work and how to use them properly.

Most people don’t know how to handle a credit card correctly. While some situations understandably cause debt, too many people abuse credit cards and go into debt. It is best to pay your credit card balance off in full each month. This will help you establish credit and improve your credit rating.

Card issuers designate minimum payments so that they stand a better chance of maximizing the profits they make on interest charges. Try to make a larger payment than just the minimum. This helps you pay much less interest in the long run.

Make sure you can afford everything you buy with a credit card. Take an honest look at your budget before your purchase to avoid buying something that is too expensive.

Whenever you can manage it, you should pay the full balance on your bank cards every month. If you pay in full now before the interest starts piling up, you can save a lot of money. Credit cards help build your credit score; however, you should avoid finance charge by paying your balance in full at the end of each billing cycle.

Credit Card

If you are having any financial problems, make sure that you alert your credit card provider as soon as possible. If you think you may miss a payment, your credit card company will often work with you and set up an adjusted payment plan. Doing so could help you avoid being reported to major reporting agencies for the late payment.

It is very easy to mishandle credit card usage. It can be okay to get into debt every once in a while; however, many people just get in way over their heads and can’t afford the monthly payments associated with their bills. To handle credit cards, correctly pay off your balance each month. By doing this, you can access credit, keep out of debt and improve your credit rating.

Keep a close eye on your balance. You also need to know how close you are to your credit limit. Going over this limit will result in greater fees incurred. This will make it harder for you to reduce your debt if you continue to exceed your limit.

For many people, charge cards have become a primary form of electronic payment over debit cards. Given that this is a growing form of commerce, you can benefit from some of the advantages offered by credit card companies. Use the advice given here to find the best card for your needs and to use it wisely.

08
Jul
2021

Prepare In Advance With This Useful Advice

categories: Personal Finance

Many people don’t know how to manage their finances. Are you someone who doesn’t properly manage finances? Well, that is all about to change. You’ve come to the right place–this article is packed with useful tips for taking control of your money. In the following paragraphs, you’ll find some great advice.

Managing your money is extremely important. Investing capital wisely and guarding profits sensibly will increase your wealth. If you are able to properly manage your profits, you will see a return from your investment. You need to see what you can afford to put into capital and what you should keep as profits.

If you want improved personal finances, avoid debt whenever you can. While certain debts are unavoidable, like mortgages or college loans, toxic debts such as credit cards are best avoided at all costs. You won’t have to dedicate as much of your funds to paying interest and fees if you borrow less.

Don’t believe any credit repair service that says they guarantee they will repair your credit history. Most companies make blanket statements regarding their ability to fix your history. These statements may not be accurate at all since what affects your credit may not be what affects someone else’s. The only credit repair agencies that guarantee success are fraudulent ones.

If you are unsuccessfully trying to pay off the balance on a credit card, refrain from making any new charges with it. Try to lower your expenses as best as you can and look for other payment methods, so that you don’t max your credit cards out. Make sure you pay off what you owe before you use the card again.

Try negotiating with your debt collectors. They most likely bought your debt from the original company for a much lower price. They will make a profit even if you pay a percentage of your debt. Use this fact to your advantage and negotiate a lower settlement.

Switch out your old incandescent bulbs in favor of new, energy-efficient bulbs. Not only will you be lowering your electric bill as a result, but you will also be doing something good for the environment. CFL bulbs have the added benefit of lasting a much longer time than traditional bulbs. By purchasing fewer bulbs, you won’t be spending as much money.

Avoid investment opportunities that have high fees attached. Investing brokers dealing with long term situations charge service fees. These fees can really take a chunk out of the money you make. Steer clear of brokers who charge exorbitant commissions for their services or pile on lots of account management charges.

It should be clear by now that you can improve your financial situation with a little effort. The future is yours and only you can determine the outcome with positive improvements to your financial situation.

01
Jul
2021

Tips On How To Save Money With Your Bank Cards

categories: Personal Finance

People need all the help they can get these days when it comes to managing finances. Bank cards can really help people, but they may also get you into serious debt! Continue reading for great advice on how to properly use credit cards.

Don’t purchase things with credit cards that you know you cannot afford, no matter what your credit limit may be. While it is alright to use them to pay for something you can afford at a later date, you should not buy a big-ticket item that you will have a problem paying for.

If you lose your job, let the card company know. If you are going to miss a payment, see if your company will work with you to adjust your payment plan. This may stop them from turning in a late payment to the major reporting agencies.

Card issuers designate minimum payments so that they stand a better chance of maximizing the profits they make on interest charges. Always pay as much as possible in excess of the minimum payment. Avoid costly interest fees over the long term.

Always know the amount of your current balance. Be aware of what your limit is so that you never exceed it. Going over this limit will result in greater fees incurred. It will take longer for you to pay the balance down if you keep going over your limit.

Credit Score

If you wish to get a credit card that has great rates and benefits, keep an eye on your credit score. Creditors use your credit score to decide what type of card to offer you. You must carry great credit to take advantage of the lower rates, cash back offers or points programs that are promoted by the card companies.

It may not be a wise idea to apply for a credit card when you first meet the age requirement. Although this might be what most people do, you might need a few months to understand the basics of the credit industry before you use credit cards. Learn more about adult life and adult responsibilities before getting a credit card, rather than impulsively signing up for a card.

If you do not own a locking mailbox, never order credit cards through the mail. Many people have admitted they have stolen charge cards out of unlocked mailboxes.

Retain a copy of the receipt when you utilize your credit card online. Keep such receipts until your bill arrives so that you can verify the accuracy of the amount charged. In the event of a discrepancy, call the credit card company and the retailer at your earliest possible convenience to dispute the charges. This will ensure that you aren’t wrongly overcharged.

Credit Card

Do not allow anyone to use your cards. Although you might be tempted to help out a good friend, lending out your credit cards is not a good idea. This can lead to overcharges and unauthorized spending.

Never give in to the temptation to allow anyone to borrow your credit card. It may be a friend that needs it for something, but it is never a good idea to give your credit card to anyone. They may make too many charges or go over whatever limit you set for them.

Keep a list that has all of your card numbers and lender contact numbers on it. This list should be kept in a safe location away from your charge cards. This list can help you to make prompt contact with your lenders if your cards are ever misplaced or you fall victim to a robbery.

As this article stated earlier, people are sometimes stuck in a financial swamp with no help, and they can end up paying too much money. The best ways to use charge cards has been covered in this article and hopefully, you have found this information very useful and applicable to your everyday spending habits.

Check your credit score annually. Many credit card companies look at a score of 700 to be good. Improve your spending habits by spending to improve your credit score. When you have a score that is around 700, or even higher, then you can get good credit offers that have minimal rates.

29
Jun
2021

Which Credit Card Should You Get? Check Out This Information!

categories: Personal Finance

Wisely used bank cards can provide enough points and other rewards, to help with a good vacation without causing financial problems. Simply charging a vacation to a credit card is not so smart because a huge bill will be waiting back home. To alleviate the chances of getting in over your head, read the tips contained in this article.

It is wise to have two or three different bank cards available for your use. This is especially helpful when building a good credit score, but remember these cards should be paid in full monthly. Keep in mind that maintaining more than three cards may not be a good idea. It could raise doubts in the minds of lenders who look at your credit report.

Credit Score

Credit cards often lure in new users with bonuses and gifts for signing up. Make sure that you go over the fine print because a lot of these credit cards will have terms that are very specific on qualifying for bonuses. The most common condition for the bonus is having to spend certain amounts during a set amount of months; before you get tempted with a bonus offer, make sure you meet the necessary qualifications first.

Before closing a credit account, be sure that you understand how that will affect your credit score. Many times it leads to lowering your credit score which you do not want. Also, try to keep the cards open that make up the majority of your credit history.

Be sure to check your credit card’s terms to see if it charges an annual fee to use the card. You want to make sure that you don’t pay a premium for the credit card. Depending on how exclusive the card is, a platinum or black card may carry a fee of $100 to $1000. If you don’t care about exclusivity, these cards aren’t for you.

Don’t put off signing the back of any new credit cards you’ve been issued. If you don’t sign it immediately, your card can easily be stolen and used. The signature on the back offers protection against fraudulent purchases because the cashier verifies that the customer’s signature matches the signature on the card.

Set a budget when it comes to your credit cards. It is important to use a budget for your entire financial life, and it makes sense to include credit expenditures in that budget as well. Never get into the habit of seeing credit cards as extra money. Have a certain amount set aside that you are willing to spend on your card each month. Adhere to your budget, and pay the balance off every month.

Purchases with credit cards should never be attempted from a public computer. The credit card information can be stored on the computer and accessed by subsequent users. Using your cards on these types of computers is a recipe for disaster. Only make a purchase from your personal computer.

Card Information

Be cautious when you are using charge cards online. If you are using your credit card online, be sure the site you’re on is secure. A secure site ensures your card information is safe. In addition, you should ignore any emails that ask you for your card information, because these are attempts to collect your information.

Always sign the back of any new credit card as soon as you receive them. A lot of people forget to sign the back of their credit cards and this can have bad consequences if a credit card is stolen. Most merchants require that your signature matches your I.D. This can help to ensure no one uses your card unauthorized.

Create a list of your charge cards, including the account number and emergency contact number for each one. This list should be kept in a safe location away from your bank cards. Such a list is helpful when you need to quickly get in touch with lenders in the event your cards are lost or stolen.

There are still many beneficial aspects to cards that provide no reward programs or other perks. Those that do not use their bank cards wisely will benefit from the strategies written here. Utilizing this information will help you successfully use your credit cards.

27
Jun
2021

Effective Personal Finance Tips Anyone Can Use

categories: Personal Finance

Do you desire to make life-long financial changes for the better? It can be done, but it’ll take a little time and a lot of knowledge. What is great for you is that you have come across this article to help guide you.

Choose a broker that you can trust and are comfortable with. Check their references, and do not choose someone if you feel they are dishonest or would not act in your best interest. Tailor your broker choice to your experience level, as well.

Buying items on sale can add up to big budget savings. This is not the time for brand loyalty. Buy items for which you have coupons. As an example, while you may have always purchased brand X detergent, if you have a coupon that will give you $2 off brand Y, then buy it and save money.

Don’t keep buying things that promise quick money. A lot of aspiring online marketers fall prey to this trap. The majority of your money should be spent making more money, not on learning how to make more money.

If you are looking to improve your credit report, it is a good idea to have between two to four active credit cards. Using one card can take a while to improve your credit, while using over four cards can represent a lack of being able to manage finances effectively. Start by using two credit cards and if your score needs an extra boost, consider adding another.

If you are experiencing difficulties paying your credit cards, you should refrain from charging them. Reduce your expenses as much as possible and find another method of payment, so that you do not max out your credit card. Pay off your credit card, and then pay it off in full each month if you start using it again.

To be truly financially stable, you should have a good deal of savings. If you do not have much saved up yet, open a savings account and get the ball rolling. With a savings account, you can avoid needing a loan when finances are diminished or if something unexpected occurs. Save as much money as you can, even if it’s not that much every month.

Having less meals from fast food places and other restaurants can save one money to help their personal finances. Saving money is easier when the ingredients are bought and cooked at home; there is also appreciation for effort taken to create a home-cooked meal.

Do you use air travel a lot? If so, it may pay off to sign up with an airline’s frequent flier program. Most credit cards have some sort of rewards program that allows you to redeem points for cash or gifts. These frequent flier miles may be redeemed at various hotels for rooms that are free, or sometimes for discounts on your stays.

Often, there are coupons online that aren’t available anywhere else, so you won’t get the same deals online as you will in a sales flyer or the newspaper. If you want to save money and be in a better financial state, online coupons can save you a lot of money.

Consider changing to a checking account which is free, or one which carries no service fees. You can find great options with online banks, credit unions and community banks.

By carefully governing your cash inflow and outflow, it will be easier to manage your situation. Track your income and your expenditures, and assess the performance of your property as an investment at the end of every month. Be sure you have a firm property budget established to refer to as a guideline.

Your perception of financial concerns is probably different now. Now that you have read this article, you will be able to step forward and manage your money successfully. All that is left is your will and determination to have a stable and strong financial future, so don’t let anything stand in your way.

26
Jun
2021

Bank Cards And Personal Finance: Tips For Finding Balance

categories: Personal Finance

Many of the warnings that you have heard about overspending or high interest raters were probably linked to credit cards. If used the right way, charge cards can be very beneficial. Continue reading to learn the many benefits of credit cards, as well as how to avoid their many pitfalls.

Most people do not handle charge cards correctly. Although it is possible to get into debt in times of crisis, it should not be a regular occurrence under ordinary circumstances or a result in spending beyond your means, which leaves you with payments you cannot make. The best strategy is to pay off your entire balance each month. Your credit score will be improved by paying the balance in full each month.

Interest Rate

Only inquire about opening a retail credit card if you are serious about shopping at the store regularly. When you apply for store charge card, an inquiry is noted on your credit bureau report whether you are approved or not. If you have too many inquiries from stores, this can negatively affect your credit score.

Know what interest rate your credit card gets. Prior to getting a credit card, it is vital that you are aware of the interest rate. You could be charged much more than you originally thought if you are not sure of the rate. If you have to pay a lot of interest, then it may be impossible for you to make your monthly payments.

You must make a habit of paying credit card bills in a timely fashion. Neglecting your credit card’s due date can result in late charges for you. You may also have to pay more interest on future purchases if you engage in this behavior.

Don’t sign up for a credit card if you have not taken the time to read all of its terms and conditions. You may find that the interest rate, payment schedule and fees, are more than what you initially thought they would be. Pay very close attention to the terms to make sure you completely understand the card policy.

Just like you wish to avoid late fees, be sure to avoid the fee for being over the limit too. Both are costly, but you will pay not only the fees tied to these mistakes, but your credit score will dip as well. Watch carefully and don’t go more than your credit limit.

Check out the types of loyalty rewards and bonuses that a credit card company is offering. If you use bank cards regularly, find one that has a loyalty program. When used wisely, they can save you a great deal or even offer you an additional source of income.

Charge cards can provide many benefits when used in a smart way. Flexibility, stability, rewards, and peace of mind can all be yours with a credit card. Use all of the information you have learned here to be successful.

23
Jun
2021

Credit Card Tips And Info That Will Help

categories: Personal Finance

Having a credit card is useful for those people that want to buy things and pay for them later. Before signing up for a new credit card, you have to learn some basic things that will help you avoid mountains of debt. Keep reading or useful tips about charge cards.

Only inquire about opening a retail credit card if you are serious about shopping at the store regularly. When a retail store inserts an inquiry onto your credit in order to qualify you for a card, this is recorded onto your credit report regardless of whether you actually open up the card. If the number of inquiries is excessive from retail locations, your credit score might be at risk of becoming lowered.

Monitor your credit card spending closely to avoid overspending. It is simple to lose track of spending unless you are keeping a ledger.

When it comes to credit cards, it is imperative that you read the contract and fine print. If you receive a pre-approved offer, look over the conditions and terms. Knowing the details is important. Know what the real interest rate is, if it goes up after the first year and how much time they allow for payment of it. Inquire about grace periods for payments and if there are any additional fees involved.

Try to avoid any credit card fees–late payment fees, annual fees, and exceeded limit fees. These fees cost you both money and points on your credit score. Watch this carefully so that you aren’t going over the limit for your credit.

You should sign credit cards as soon as you receive them in the mail. Lots of people do not do this, and therefore, their cards end up getting stolen without the cashiers being aware of this. A lot of places need a signature so they can match it to your card, which makes it safer to buy things.

Keep a careful eye in case the terms or conditions of your agreement change. In today’s society, many companies will change their conditions or terms at frequent intervals. These changes may be buried within hard to understand legal terms. Make certain you review all changes so that you know how they may impact your finances.

For your credit to remain in good standing, you have to pay all your credit card bills on time. If you are late, you might have to pay high fees. Lateness also messes up your credit score. You can save time and money by establishing automatic payments through your bank or credit card company.

Be sure you don’t order credit cards if your mailbox isn’t lockable. Lots of credit card thieves say that they have taken cards from people’s unlocked mailboxes.

Credit Card

If you want to have more money, be sure you approach the company that issued your credit card for a lower interest rate. If you have a history with the credit card company and have been making payments on a timely basis, you might be able to ask for a better rate. A simple phone call may be all it takes in order to get a more competitive rate and save you money.

If you are having financial problems, talk with your credit company. If there is a possibility that you may have to miss one payment, by contacting the company that issued your credit card, you might be able to work out some sort of adjusted payment plan. This can help make them not turn in a report to a reporting agency about a late payment.

When you use your card properly, they can prove extremely helpful. The tips offered above can help you use your bank cards in a more responsible way, so that you will have the benefits of credit and not find yourself sinking into debt.

21
Jun
2021

Hard Time Choosing A Credit Card Company? Try These Tips!

categories: Personal Finance

Many of the warnings that you have heard about overspending or high interest raters were probably linked to credit cards. However, if used well, there are lots of benefits to having a credit card. To find out what charge cards can do for you, continue reading this article for advice.

Try to keep at least two, but not more than three, credit lines open simultaneously. This will help build your credit score, especially if you are able to pay the cards in full every month. Do not over-do it. Having more than three bank cards can concern a lender looking at your credit report.

Ensure you understand how closing an account will affect your credit score. There’s times when you close a card that can have negative affects on your next credit report. Also, maintain cards that have most of your credit history.

Try to keep at least three open credit card accounts. This will help you build one’s credit score, particularly if you pay your bill in full. But, if you have more than three cards, lenders may not view that favorably.

Credit Card

Credit card companies calculate their minimum payments so that you can pay a small amount and let them earn a large amount of interest from you over time. Every dollar over your minimum payment goes to pay off your balance, so always pay a higher amount than the credit card company asks you to pay. You will save a lot of money on interest in the end.

Just as you want to avoid paying late fees, you want to avoid that over the limit fee as well. Both of these are pretty large fees and going over your limit can put a blemish on your credit report. Be vigilant and pay attention so you don’t go over the credit limit.

If you see any suspicious charges to your credit card, call your credit card company right away. By doing so you give the credit card company the best chance of catching the thief. That is also the smartest way to ensure that you aren’t responsible for those charges. Credit card companies have an interest in making it easy to report fraud. Usually, it is as quick as a phone call or short email.

If you are thinking of ordering a credit card via the mail, ensure you properly protect your personal information by having a mailbox with a lock. Many scammers have admitted to stealing cards that were in mailboxes with no locks on them.

Be certain you are buying from a legitimate vendor before you use a credit card to buy anything on the internet. Call phone numbers given on the website to ensure they’re working, and do not purchase from a seller that doesn’t have an actual address listed.

Keep a list of phone numbers for your credit card companies and your own account numbers in a safe location. Put it in a secure location like a safe box at a bank, that is in a different place than your credit cards. The list is useful as a way to quickly contact lenders in case of a lost or stolen card.

Keep a record of your credit card purchases to avoid creating more debt than you can pay for. It does not take much to let your spending get out of control, so commit to recording your spending in a spreadsheet or on paper.

When you use a credit card with a strategy and mindfully there can be lots of benefits. From knowing you’re able to pay for emergencies to getting a lot of rewards and perks, credit cards are hopefully a little less scary for you to think about now. Use the advice in this piece in order to achieve real success.

04
Jun
2021

What To Look For When Getting A Credit Card

categories: Personal Finance

Consumer advice is valuable with regard to credit cards. This article offers some valuable education that can help anyone to make wise credit card selections, and use those cards in a manner that prevents problems. A lot of people now own more bank cards than necessary and this can make spending responsibility more difficult.

Do not close any credit card accounts without finding out how it affects your credit report. Depending on the situation, closing a credit card account might leave a negative mark on your credit history, something you should avoid at all costs. If your card has been around awhile, you should probably hold on to it as it is responsible for your credit history.

Be aware of the rate of interest you are provided. You should completely understand the interest rate prior to signing up for a credit card. You can end up paying a lot more if you don’t make yourself aware of it. You may find it very hard to pay off your debt each month when high interest charges are added to your balance.

It is a good idea to have a couple of open credit cards. Not only does this increase your credit ranking, but when you pay every month, you also increase your line of credit. Having more than three open helps lenders look at you in a bad light when they see your credit report.

Credit Card

Set a budget when it comes to your bank cards. It is important to budget your income, and it is equally important to budget your credit card spending habits. You should not think of a credit card as simply extra spending money. Figure out a set amount that you’re comfortable with setting aside to make payments on your charge cards every month. Stick to it, and make sure you pay them off every month.

You should sign bank cards as soon as you receive them in the mail. Lots of people do not do this, and therefore, their cards end up getting stolen without the cashiers being aware of this. Many cashiers will check to make sure there are matching signatures before finalizing the sale.

In terms of a retail store’s credit options, you should never get a card with them unless you’re a loyal, regular customer. When a retail store inserts an inquiry onto your credit in order to qualify you for a card, this is recorded onto your credit report regardless of whether you actually open up the card. A report that is peppered with too many credit inquiries like those made by retail stores can hurt your overall credit score.

It may not be a great idea for someone to get credit cards when they turn 18. It takes a couple of months of learning before you can fully understand the responsibilities involved in owning bank cards. Take the time to learn how credit works, and how to keep from getting in over your head with credit.

Always make a copy of receipts made from online purchases. Keep the receipt in a secure location, and when your credit card bill arrives, check that the online retailer charged you the right amount for the item that you purchased. File a dispute if you were overcharged as soon as you discover it. Doing so helps to prevent overcharges on purchases.

As you are no doubt aware, it is all too easy to find yourself in over your head regarding bank cards. With multiple cards, and multiple pricey purchases, you will find yourself in deep trouble. The advice you have read here can help you avoid these problems and keep your credit history healthy.

Take a look at the fine print. Make sure you know exactly what is being offered in that pre-approved credit card before you take advantage of it. Know what the real interest rate is, if it goes up after the first year and how much time they allow for payment of it. Remember to check out any grace periods and finance charges involved, too.