




DIFFERENT KINDS OF CREDIT CARDS – WHICH IS THE BEST ONE FOR YOU?
With several different kinds of credit cards available in the market today, how will you be able to find out which is the right one for you. Read this article to find out.
“Standard Credit Cards”:
The most popular credit card is the standard credit card that comes with a medium interest rate. This type of credit cards mostly have credit limits ranging from $100 to $2000; it can be more depending on the credit report of the individual applying for the card.
All credit and debit cards have a magnetic strip at the back of the card that has information about the account and the card holder. Some recent credit cards also known as smart cards have a small gold chip that is embedded on the front side of the card. This offers better security than the magnetic strip.
Big banks mostly use a 3rd party credit card issuer for their high brand credit cards. You can find cheaper cards that are available in the market.
Platinum cards and gold cards:
These types of cards are given only to customers with good credit ratings. The Platinum and Gold credit cards offer larger withdrawal limits, higher credit limit and a host of other advantages over the standard credit card. Look out for schemes such as: extended warranties on purchased goods, travel insurance, cash back, flight and hotel savings and credit card protection.
Due to its requirements of a fine credit rating, the Platinum and Gold credit cards are generally offered to those people who work in the high salary bracket; about $25000 - $30000 per year. Hence, the Platinum and Gold credit cards are a symbol of status in business circles.
“Charity Credit Cards”:
A few of the well – known charities have got together with some of the big credit card issuers and have come up with a charity credit card. These are just like any other regular credit cards, the only difference being – a percentage of your monthly credit card bill is given to charity each month. This happens automatically. The charity will also get a donation from the issuing company when you register for the card.
This service does not cost the card holder any money.
“Charge Credit Cards”:
This is an alternative to the credit card. Charge cards require its holder’s to pay the full credit amount at the end of each month. There isn’t any fixed monthly interest rate or minimum payment. You only have to pay an annual fee to have the charge card.
The big players in this industry are Diners Club and American Express. Most building societies and high street banks provide charge cards to the customers.
“Student Credit Cards”:
Only offered to young people and students, these cards are also known as “loss leaders”. In most cases the issuer of the credit card will incur a loss, initially, due to the host of benefits offered to the students.
However, this is done so that students will remain with the same issuer for their entire life.