Everyone likes a great deal right? Well credit card offers are no different. There are tons of incentives and promotions out there but here are some great ones to watch out for.

The internet has made it so incredibly easy to shop for, compare and apply for credit cards.   It is so easy in fact, that it is quite common to do all of these things on one website. This makes it much easier for all of us to be sure we are getting the very best credit card offers.

But how can we be sure we are getting the best possible deal? Well here are some things to watch for.

The first is convenience. Being able to apply and perhaps even be approved online from the comfort of your living room sofa is a definite plus. Look for an easy application and approval process.

Second, pay close attention to interest rate and APR. Many online credit cards offer low or no annual fees and very low interest as an incentive. Huge savings here!

Another great offer to watch for is extended interest free periods.  What this means is some credit card companies offer new cardholders a period of time when no interest is charged.  This may be anywhere from 60 days up to six months!

And lastly, and perhaps my favorite offer to watch for is points or rewards. These can quickly add up. These types of incentives may mean new merchandise, vacations, or free shopping for you. How great is that?

So the next time your are browsing the internet comparing the very best credit card offers out there, remember to watch for these important things.  Not only will they save you time and money, but over time they may earn you valuable extras that you may not have been able to afford otherwise.

Originally posted 2009-03-10 13:30:43.

Prepaid credit cards can really come in handy – especially if you have poor credit. For instance, have you ever tried to rent a car or book a hotel room only to learn that you need a credit card to do it?

If you are a person with poor or just plain bad credit, a prepaid credit card may be a lifesaver. These credit cards are issued by the three major credit card companies, Visa, Mastercard and American Express. They are just like regular cards but with one main difference.

Prepaid credit cards are actually more like gift cards. You can load money onto the card and then use it at your favorite stores and restaurants just like a regular credit card. The money you spend is subtracted from the amount of money you deposited onto the card.

So for example, if you loaded $500 onto your prepaid credit card and then spent $100 on shoes, your remaining balance on the card would be $400. Once you have spent that $400, you would need to deposit more money onto the card.

One of the main advantages to using a prepaid credit card, is you don’t have to think about due dates, late payments or interest. None of these factors apply to prepaid cards.

There are some fees to be mindful of if you are considering a prepaid card. Most cards have an activation fee as well as a small monthly fee. Some may also charge fees for things like withdrawing cash or checking your balance. Be sure to get all the information about extra fees.

Prepaid credit cards are a great solution for students of all ages because parents are able to control the amount of money being put on the card. This helps teach kids the value of a dollar and how to spend wisely.

So if your credit is not in the best condition, a prepaid credit card may be just what you are looking for. You can be approved for this type of card no matter what your credit history is and these cards do not influence your credit score.

Originally posted 2009-03-09 16:22:12.