Credit Card Terms Everyone Should Know

15 April 2023

Whether you are a new credit card holder or have been using it for a while, you must have come across some credit card jargon that is hard to decipher. For instance, if you decide to apply for a credit card online, you might need to understand the annual fee, interest rate, and other charges applicable to that card. Even though all credit cards work in the same way, they differ a lot in terms of the benefits and rewards they offer. So, to make it easier for you to understand the basic credit card terminology and choose the best one, here is a quick guide for you.

Annual Fee

Card companies may charge annual fees on credit cards. This might range from a few hundred to a few thousand depending on the benefits you can avail yourself of on the card. However, certain providers may waive the fee for the first year, while others, may offer credit cards that are free for a lifetime. So, depending upon the kind of benefits you seek, you may choose a lifetime free credit card or a card that has an annual fee but may waive it off on spending a certain amount.

Credit Limit

This is the overall spending limit or credit line provided by the card issuer. There are several criteria such as your credit score, income, repayment history, as well as the length of your relationship with the bank that determines your credit card limit. Banks may sometimes offer you higher limits if you already have high limits on your existing cards along with a strong repayment history.

Additionally, when checking your credit card limit, there are further three terms that you must be aware of Total Credit Limit and Available Credit Limit.

Total Credit Limit: This is the credit limit granted by the bank when the card is issued. The total limit can also be increased when you request for the same or if you accept a limit increase offered by the provider.
Available Credit Limit: This is the credit limit that is available on one’s credit card at any one moment. In other terms, the available credit limit is the difference between the entire credit limit and the card’s current outstanding balance.
Cash Limit: Card issuers also offer a certain portion of your total credit limit as cash limit. This defines the amount of cash you can withdraw using your credit card. However, cash withdrawal from credit cards should be the last resort as cash withdrawal is not eligible for the interest-free period and even a small amount can escalate to a huge debt.

Billing Cycle

The billing cycle refers to the period between the closing of the previous statement and the new statement date. Your credit card provider compiles your statement at the end of your billing cycle, and you have until the due date to make the payment.

Due Date

This is the specified monthly date by which all outstanding payments must be made. To avoid late payment penalties and high-interest charges on unpaid dues, you must make the payment on or before the due date.

Total Amount Due And Minimum Amount Due

At the end of each billing cycle, a new statement is generated and it shows the dues that you owe on your card. Total amount due, as the name suggests, is the total sum that you owe to the issuer, and on making full payment, no charges will be applicable.

However, if you cannot afford to pay the total due, card providers give you the option to pay the minimum amount due to keep your card active and avoid late payment charges. It is usually 5% of the total due and also includes any active EMIs, additional fees, charges, etc. An important thing to note is that on making only the minimum payment, the rest of the outstanding balance starts attracting finance charges and new transactions become ineligible for the interest-free period as well. This is why you should always pay the total due and not just the minimum amount.

Finance Charges And APR

Interest rates on credit card balances are known as finance charges and APR is the annual percentage of interest. It is the rate of interest on all transactions from the date of the transaction until the cardholder’s balance is paid back in full. Note that interest on credit cards is compounded on a daily basis.

Being acquainted with these terms will ensure judicious use of the card and help you stay out of debt.

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Abdul Aziz Mondol

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

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The 8 Smart Tips To Get A Smart Repayment Plan

The term repayment plan may refer to distinct things. For instance, it may refer to an individual plan someone drafts with a view of eliminating debt. In the same context, it may mean taking an initiative to enroll in a debt payment plan in order to settle a certain type of debt in the most appropriate way. Generally, the purpose is to save yourself from debts and get the lowest interest costs possible. It's something that can benefit you in a number of ways. For example, you will be shielded from the possibilities of becoming bankrupt. Still, you will protect your credit score from damage that comes with late payments or default. And as mentioned, getting a plan that offers the lowest interest rate is advantageous too. A repayment plan can be used in an unsecured loan you owe. But depending on the debts you need to settle, you may need various plans, each meant to settle a particular debt. For instance, think of credit card debt. With this one, it is up to you to come up with the best repayment plan, though you can also enroll in debt management plans offered by credit counseling institutions. Besides, a federal student loan may need a different approach. There are various federal student loan repayment programs you can use to service your debt. There are plans that will focus on helping you repay quickly in order to lessen the interest charges. Other plans may help you get a lower monthly repayment that perfectly matches your budget. Are you overwhelmed with tax debt? You can enroll in an Installment Agreement to settle the debt. Get a Smart Repayment Plan: It is good to think of getting out of debts. In fact, it is an initiative you are taking to regain control of your finances. Nevertheless, you will need to be pragmatic and realistic in order to manage your debts effectively. You did not take the debts you owe just overnight and the same way settling them won’t be that faster. The largest challenge to debt settlement is not even lack of determination or good intents- it is a failure to come up with a comprehensive program. And so, if you are already thinking of settling the debts that have burdened you for long, that is a positive step and with the commitment, you will make it. Start by getting organized: It is important to the records of different loans. Take note of the amount of each one of them, the interest rate they carry, and other terms of payment. If you have been taking loans all along, the chances are you owe different lenders different amounts with different interests and terms. As a result, you have to make a number of payments every month. You can easily get yourself into troubles if you don’t get organized. You may forget a payment and this may cost you dearly. After knowing the amount you owe different lenders, consolidate the debts into classes. By so doing, you will be able to understand where exactly you stand and even if it terrifies you, it is a good thing. Prioritize debts: Prioritizing your debts is among the basic loan tips recommended by one of the best moneylenders like Bugis Credit. It is good to prioritize according to how you want to settle them. You can arrange them either in ascending or descending order. However, it is highly recommended that you arrange them in ascending order as this will help you gain momentum. But from a technical point of view, ranking them starting with high-interest down to lower-interest loans is the best approach and will protect you from incurring ing too many costs. The order of priority is a personal decision, but once you have prioritized them, stick to the list. Design a strategy: After prioritizing your loans, the next step is to select a payoff strategy that will serve you in the best way possible. It is important to pick a strategy that will help you remain motivated to keep up: either settling smaller debts you have so as to gain momentum, or to deal with large interest rates loans first to lessen the overall costs. Irrespective of the approach you take, aim at maximizing the devoted to debt settlement every month. Direct all your financial efforts towards repaying off the debt. After clearing one, go to the next debt in the list. This may imply that you make small payments on other loans until you settle the highly prioritized ones. Remain consistent: If you are really determined to pay your loans fully, you must be consistent with payments. Do not shift your focus away from debt payment. The main challenge many people have to experience is feeling complacent upon clearing the first debt. Direct the same efforts and finances to the next debt with no fail. Consider using an app: Some mobile applications can help you significantly when it comes to a debt repayment plan. Some can even help you prioritize your debts and how to optimize your efforts. Besides, an app can help you track the progress you make as well as the incremental improvements made. It is so convenient to use mobile applications in handling your debts. Strengthen your savings: While it may seem impractical to save when you are already overwhelmed by debts, trust you me it is important to grow your savings in general. The focus is to stay out of debts and you can achieve this if you save. Do you really have to consider credit cards whenever emergencies strike? Besides, savings can help you settle some credit card debts before accumulate charges. Plan living out of debt: A smart loan repayment plan must encompass a strategy that will help you live out of debts. This involves making adjustments to your spending as well as financial conducts. Avoid doing things that will take you back to debts. Get more funds to settle your debts: Where can you get more money when you are already struggling with debts? Well, it is possible to devote more money to debt settlement. Reduce spending on some areas to accumulate more money and direct the extra obtained towards your plan. Alternatively, you can seek a part-time job or work overtime at your current place off work if there is a consideration for that. If you get some cash from gifts, donations or tax returns, devote them to your debt payment. Maintain your monthly budget if you cannot cut it. Conclusion: The way it takes time to accumulate debts, it takes time to settle them. Nevertheless, with a strong determination through an effective debt repayment plan, you can manage to repay all of them and live out of debts completely. In fact, if you maintain healthy financial habits and devote the money you’ve been using to settle debts to savings, you will be on the route to financial independence. Read Also: Eight Essential Tips For Getting Out Of Debt 5 Must-Have Long-Term Goals For A Secure Future How To Stay Safe When Making Mobile Payments Are Debt Consolidation Loans Recommended For Credit Card Consolidation

Title Loan Requirements: What you Do and Don’t Need

A title loan is a type of a loan where an asset is given to act as collateral, popularized because of two main reasons: When determining your qualifications, title loans don’t put your credit rating into consideration. Title loans get approved very quickly for loan amounts of as little as $ 100. This makes title loans some of the most convenient and efficient options in the lending market. The Breakdown of A Title Loan : A car title loan is the most common type of title loan. It’s a case where you as a potential borrower, you are obliged to be in possession of car outright and sign the title over to an auto loan title company. The loan company will allow you up to 25% of the value of the car to the borrower and then retain the car’s title as collateral in case you breach the repayment agreement. It’s worth noting that the amount you want to borrow must always be put into consideration. The value of your car or the commonly called – equity in the value will set the limit of the amount of money you can borrow. If your car has a high value, so will be your title loan. The lenders will in most cases lend you money they are sure they can get it back easily if they were to sell your car in case you default the payment. With car title loans, there are no prepayment penalties, so it’s okay and not costly if you want to pay off your loan earlier. Be Careful of Rolling Over : A lot of title loan cases end up in rolling over. This means that you decide to prolong your payment by another 30-day loan. The disadvantage of rolling over with your title loan is that it gets very expensive and every time you extend the loan you are penalized for new loan fees. There are cases where the process of extending a car title loan is controlled by the law. Unlike the interest rates that you usually pay on credit cards, title loans have a very high cost despite the fact that there are laws that limit the interest rates. You, therefore, end up paying back more money than you actually borrowed. The Risk of Losing Your Car : Getting a car title loan sounds so good but there is always a big problem which is the risk of losing your car to your lenders. This happens in the event that you can’t pay back your lender. Your car will then become their possession and they sell it to get back their share of the money that they lend to you. Car title loans are different from bank loans, typically they have easier requirements. Here are the key dos and don’ts you need to know to apply for a title loan. What You Do Need To Apply FOR A Title Loan : You will need the following before going for a title loan: Vehicle title with your name Valid driver’s license Proof income Proof of residence These requirements will be qualified in the following manner: Vehicle Title with Your Name : Since the title loan is being given to you, the title of your car must be in your name, and lien-free or something close to lien free. What’s a lien-free car title? It simply means that you have total ownership of the car; it’s completely paid off with no outstanding balances or loans against it. Certifying that your vehicle is lien-free is important because the amount of money you are given on the loan is on the basis of the value of your vehicle at the time of application. A Valid Driver’s License : For proper verification of your identity, your valid driver’s license is required. In addition, the names on the form of identification must match the name on the title of the vehicle in order to issue the loan. Proof of Income : The companies that give you loans don’t necessarily depend solely on credit scores. Rather, you will be asked to show your proof of income like: Paystubs Bank statements Monthly allowances such as retirement accounts With proof of income, you basically tell the lender how much you can afford to pay back. Proof of Residence : Since title loans aren’t given to every region, you just have to prove your current residence and also certify that you have been an ongoing resident of your current residential area for the past two years. This same requirement is still used to verify your identity. What You Don’t Need To Apply For the Loan : There are so many misconceptions about what you need to apply for a title loan. Mostly, you might think that you need: A good credit score A bank account A high-paying job However, contrary to popular belief, none of these requirements are essential anywhere when applying for a title loan. A Good Credit Score : You don’t need a perfect credit score for you to get a title loan. A good credit score doesn’t necessarily prove your eligibility for a loan. A Bank Account : Are you worried that you don’t have a bank account? You don’t need to be. You will be provided with a check for your loan amount without having to give your account number from you. A High-paying Job : This is one of the most popular misconceptions that is among many people. There are flexible payment options for a realistic repayment schedule and the amount you’ll feel comfortable accepting. With the right kind of documents, you can easily get a title loan. You do not need to have a high-paying job, a good credit score nor even a bank account. All you need is a clean car title and the right kind of financier willing to lend you the money. Read Also : Top 5 Types Of Startup Business Loans

A Beginners Guide to Listed Investment Companies

Investing can be a daunting task for anyone, especially for those who are new to the game. With a plethora of options available, it can be challenging to know where to start and what investment vehicles to choose. One option that has gained popularity in recent years is listed investment companies (LICs). In this beginner's guide, we'll take a closer look at what LICs are and how they can be a valuable addition to your investment portfolio. What are LICs? LICs are publicly traded companies that invest in a diversified portfolio of assets, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate. They are similar to mutual funds, but instead of investing in the fund directly, you buy shares of the company that owns the assets. This allows you to gain exposure to a variety of investments through a single stock, making it an easy and convenient option for those who want a simple and diversified investment portfolio. Benefits of Investing in LICs Diversification: As mentioned earlier, LICs offer a diversified portfolio of assets, which helps to spread risk and minimize the impact of any single investment. Professional Management: LICs are managed by professional fund managers who have the expertise and experience to select and manage investments on your behalf. Liquidity: LICs are listed on stock exchanges, making it easy to buy and sell shares, and providing you with the flexibility to make changes to your portfolio as needed. Potential for Higher Returns: By investing in a diversified portfolio of assets, LICs have the potential to deliver higher returns than investing in individual stocks. Lower Costs: Compared to other investment vehicles, LICs often have lower fees and expenses, which can result in higher returns for investors. Risks of Investing in LICs Market Risk: As with any investment, LICs are subject to market risk, which means that the value of your investment can go up or down depending on market conditions. Credit Risk: LICs may invest in bonds, which are subject to credit risk. This means that if the issuer of the bond defaults on their debt, the value of your investment may decrease. Management Risk: The success of a LIC depends on the ability of the fund manager to make good investment decisions. If the fund manager fails to perform, the value of your investment may be negatively impacted. How to Invest in LICs Research: Before investing in a LIC, it's important to research the company and its portfolio of assets to ensure that it aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance. Consider the Fund Manager's Track Record: Look at the fund manager's track record to see how they have performed in the past and whether they have a history of delivering good returns. Diversify Your Portfolio: As with any investment, it's important to diversify your portfolio to minimize risk. Consider investing in multiple LICs to achieve a well-rounded and diversified investment portfolio. Monitor Your Investments: Regularly monitor your investments and make changes as needed to ensure that your portfolio remains aligned with your investment goals. In conclusion, LICs can be a valuable addition to your investment portfolio, offering the benefits of diversification, professional management, liquidity, and the potential for higher returns. However, it's important to understand the risks involved and to do your research before investing. By following these tips, you can ensure that you make informed investment decisions and achieve your financial goals. Additional: 5 Reasons Why Bitcoins Are Considered Reliable Investments Top 5 Investment Decisions You Need To Make In Your Thirties 4 Key Concepts on Making Signage an Effective Strategic Investment What Investors Should Know about Investment in Gold and Silver Assets

Credit Card Terms Everyone Should Know

Annual Fee

Credit Limit

Billing Cycle

Due Date

Total Amount Due And Minimum Amount Due

Finance Charges And APR

Use Online Event Payment To Streamline Your Payment Process

Can I Convert My 401k To A Gold IRA?

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Abdul Aziz Mondol

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

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The 8 Smart Tips To Get A Smart Repayment Plan

Title Loan Requirements: What you Do and Don’t Need

A Beginners Guide to Listed Investment Companies

Credit Card Terms Everyone Should Know

Annual Fee

Credit Limit

Billing Cycle

Due Date

Total Amount Due And Minimum Amount Due

Finance Charges And APR

Share this Article

Use Online Event Payment To Streamline Your Payment Process

Can I Convert My 401k To A Gold IRA?

Tags

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related