Debt Consolidation Loans

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Debt Consolidation Loans

Author: Natalia Kobseva

FederalDebtReliefProgram.com

Debt consolidation loans are a much sought after financial program today. The reasons are clear: the economic recession has resulted in the loss of over 7 million jobs, causing financial hardships across the land, and hence the increased interest in debt consolidation loans. The good news is that with the debt relief programs of today, it possible to eliminate up to 50% or more of unsecured debt in almost all cases. How to apply and how to get started? Read on.

Get Started With Debt Relief:

www.federaldebtreliefprogram.com

Debt consolidation loans fall under the debt relief umbrella of programs and services. Debt consolidation loans are loans which are taken out to pay off existing loans. In most cases, debt consolidation loans are in the form of home equity loans, using the borrower's home as collateral.

But consumer beware: the person who takes out a home equity loan risks losing their home if they are unable to make their new loan payments in the future. Debt consolidation loans therefore can be extremely risky strategy. Debt consolidation loans are not something to be taken lightly.

The good news is that other debt relief programs are available today which are able to eliminate up to 50% or more of unsecured debt in almost all cases. This is debt that is eliminated through arbitration, and never needs to be repaid. Debt relief is fast, proven to be effective, and can work for you.

To learn more about debt relief and how to get started, please visit Federal Debt Relief Program at:

www.federaldebtreliefprogram.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/personal-finance-articles/debt-consolidation-loans-2061939.html

About the Author

Noted financial author.


Debit Credit Cards

Debit Machine by matthewSBOC

America: Cashless Society

Author: James Marshall

America is quickly becoming a cashless society. Whereas it would have seemed odd, or even in poor taste to do so in the past, people routinely use plastic to pay for even the smallest purchases, such as a Slurpee from 7-Eleven. Almost all gas stations allow you to "pay at the pump," and even fast food restaurants began accepting "debit or credit" a few years ago. And that's not to mention the millions of cashless transactions that occur every day in cyberspace, through web sites like eBay, Amazon.com, and other popular e-tailers.

Clearly, having some form of cashless payment is essential to being a fully functioning American consumer these days, and millions of people are opting to use a debit card attached to their checking accounts rather than traditional credit cards. Is this a wise move?

Dr. Jekyll's Lovely Little Debit Card

The primary advantage of debit cards is that they give you access to cash. A little known fact about cash advances on traditional credit cards is that they begin accruing interest from the moment you get your hands on the money. This means that even if you paid last month's bill in full, you will still have interest charges on your next bill whenever you take out a cash advance. Debit cards allow you access to cash through ATM's at no interest - after all, it's your money.

The other major benefit of debit cards is that they're an option for credit constrained consumers. While it may seem like credit card companies will give cards to anyone, the truth is that once you make a serious mistake - such as falling behind on your card for a few consecutive months, resulting in a "charge off" - it can be very difficult to qualify for credit again anytime soon. Since some form of plastic is required for so many of life's necessities, debit cards offer these people a means of remaining viable members of our cashless society.

Mr. Hyde's "Instrument of Financial Death"

But there is a downside to debit cards, too. Consumer advocate, Howard Strong, even refers to debit cards as "financial death" cards. While his perspective may be a little over the top, he does cite several disadvantages of debit card usage in his 1999 book, What Every Credit Card User Needs to Know.

First, by using a debit card, you lose the advantage of using the credit card company's money interest free. This interest free period occurs from the time you make a purchase until the due date of your bill. If, for example, you used your credit card to buy a $2,500 sofa the day after receiving your statement, you would then have more than 30 days to come up with the $2,500 before being charged interest. If you used a debit card, you would have $2,500 sucked out of your account the moment you made the purchase.

Secondly, using a debit card typically has no positive impact on your credit. Credit card companies report payment information to the three major credit bureaus each and every month. When you pay your bills on time, it has a positive effect on your credit score. Debit cards don't utilize credit, so there's nothing for the bank to report - unless, of course, you overdraw your bank account and then are unwilling or unable to pay whatever egregious fees the bank charges. In this way, using a debit card can have a negative effect on your credit.

Finally, using a debit card puts you at more risk than using a credit card because it is easier to "stop payment" of erroneous or fraudulent charges with a credit card. When Mr. Strong wrote his book in 1999, this was more of a problem than it is today, since much has been done to improve the security of electronic transactions. Still, the fact remains that someone could use your debit card to empty out your bank account, and while you would almost certainly get your money back, it could take some time. Since credit cards have no ability to draw on your savings or checking, this possibility doesn't exist with them.

The Reality - You Need Both

If you can qualify for a credit card, even at a high interest rate, you should almost definitely have one. After all, credit cards help you build credit and the interest rate is irrelevant if you're responsible and pay your bills in full and on time. You should also have a debit card for getting cash quickly and easily without the up-front interest that credit cards charge on cash advances.

If you're really worried about the "Mr. Hyde" effects of debit card usage, consider opening a separate account tied to your debit card. You can set up automatic weekly or monthly transactions that move money from your primary account to this special account, so that the amount you could lose is always limited to $200, $500, or whatever you decide.

Sincerely,

James

http://www.CC-Yes.com

P.S.

View a full catalog of debit cards at, visit:

http://www.CC-Yes.com/categories/debit_credit_cards

Also be sure to check out our prepaid cards at:

http://www.CC-Yes.com/categories/prepaid_credit_cards

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/credit-articles/america-cashless-society-202044.html

About the Author


Bank Credit Card

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Getting A Bank Credit Card For Tuition Payments

Author: MIKE SELVON

It is important for college students to be able to pay for their tuition, books, fees and living expenses while they are attending post-secondary school. A student loan and a scholarship can cover most of the associated costs, but there are still other day to day expenses to consider.

If an emergency occurs and the student needs extra cash, then they need a financial back-up plan. A bank credit card can help with these unforeseen expenses and it will also help them to build their credit score.

If you want to obtain a bank credit card from the financial institution of your choice, then there may be some stumbling blocks in your way. If you have been turned down for unsecured credit cards or bank credit cards due to a lack of credit history, then you are aware of the conundrum revolving around credit scores. You must have credit in order to receive credit. It is frustrating to those people who have recently turned eighteen and are looking to begin their lives without fiscal assistance from their parents.

If having one is your goal, then you need to start off small. There is a card for bad credit that many people utilize. It may require a deposit to assure the lender that funds are available to match the credit limit.

Many people who have bad credit or no credit rating will utilize these cards, as a way to start or re-build credit scores. The downfall is being forced into paying high interest rates and a yearly membership fee that is often ridiculous. Use these as a last alternative.

If you are determined to have one from your bank of choice, then you may want to consider asking your parent to co-sign the application with you. You will have the card in your name, but your parent's credit score will determine your interest rate and your limit. This is a great way to get a 0 APR credit card and start to build your own credit rating.

Okay, you have obtained a bank credit card and now have the freedom to spend up to your credit limit. What comes next? Well, it should not be a shopping spree. This is the time to use some restraint. It can be thrilling the first time you hand over that piece of plastic to the store clerk, but you must always remember to use it wisely.

With that small piece of plastic comes great responsibility. You will need to make your payments on time and always try to keep a minimum balance that you can pay off.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/credit-articles/getting-a-bank-credit-card-for-tuition-payments-290877.html

About the Author

Mike Selvon's portal will expand your knowledge on a bank credit card. Visit us and leave a comment at our student loan information blog where a free gift awaits you.


Bank Credit Cards

bank of america on Flickr ...

Axis Bank Credit Cards: Highly Trusted and Useful Cards

Author: aliceerin

Most of the people in India think that having a credit card would lead them to indulge in more debts and financial crisis. But, these cards are very useful and beneficial for those who use them in a right manner.

There are many advantages of having a credit card. One of the main benefits is that there is no need to depend on your friends and family members, if you are in urgent need of money. It helps you to solve your unexpected expenses. It also helps you to pay amount for some hotels, airlines and travel companies, who do not accept cash payment. Like this, people can enjoy with many benefits of credit cards by using them for right purposes.

As the number of people who apply for the credit cards in India has been increasing day by day, several banks and private companies entered in the credit card market and started offering credit cards with different amounts, interest rates and repayment plans.

Among these banks, Axis bank is one of the leading banks in India that has been offering good services in Indian banking sector for several years. It offers various types of credit cards to suit the needs of all kinds of people. All the Axis bank credit cards are known as high-utility cards. For its honoured customers, this trusted bank offers even the high amount of credit cards at low interest rates.

Some of the most popular credit cards of Axis bank are the Axis Bank Silver Credit Card, Axis Bank Gold Plus Credit Card, Axis Bank Corporate Credit Card, Axis Bank Platinum Credit Card and Axis Bank Secured Credit Card (Gold).

Most of the premier banking establishments give credit cards and, therefore, the user is likely to have the thought about the benefits of taking the credit cards that are being given by Axis Bank. Some of the benefits are given in the above paragraphs and, therefore, a careful thought about each of them is enough to serve the purpose of the utility of these cards.

However, for a person who is financially a little more adept, the reasons can be shown in the form of interest rates that are given by these credit cards. One of the primary features of the interests is that they are formulated while keeping the customer as one of the main factors of consideration.

Hence, the interest rate are quite manageable and so is the repayment tenure of these cards. Versatility and also flexibility are two of the major stalwarts of the features of Axis bank credit cards.

With the advent of the Internet, now, people can find the details of all the companies that offer credit cards at one place. So, they can compare all the credit card deals that are available in the world of credit cards at one place and can select the best one depending on their needs. Axis bank offers online banking services to its customers. So, the persons, who want to get a credit card from Axis bank can fill the application form online without visiting the bank.

If the details that are provided on the application form are correct, the bank employees will sanction credit card with in a short time. If you do not use your Axis bank credit card, you are not required to pay any such type of interest rates. One more benefit of these cards is that you can get extra points and discounts, if you repay the credit card amount in time.

Finally, we can say that Axis bank credit cards are available at low interest rates and are very beneficial for the users.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/credit-articles/axis-bank-credit-cards-highly-trusted-and-useful-cards-689227.html

About the Author

For more to know on Axis bank credit cards, ICICI credit cards and Credit cards just visit PaisaWaisa.com.


Refinance Auto Loan

123 REFINANCE AUTO LOAN

Auto Refinance: Auto Loan Lender

Author: Marlon Dirk

Auto refinance is one kind of a loan where you pay your current auto loan with the mortgage refinance, but with a much easier and quicker process.  The auto loan lender is a lending institution such as credit unions, banks, dealership or online auto loan lender offering auto loan. To obtain auto refinance, the lender of the auto loan requires a few documents including:

-Proof of residence and income that can be verified

-Good credit history

-Drivers license that is valid

-Valid title (used for instances like trade in)

-Personal references like family or friends

-Additional documents or "stips" like copies of bank accounts, tax returns, or phone bills.

This will be used is assessing your credit history and employment status.

When you want to get an auto refinance you will find that any auto loan lender will frequently charge clients who have bad credits or no credit higher interest rates as compared to standard rates for clients having standard credits. These auto loan rates charged frequently by the auto loan lender are based on the credit history of the client. There are different period of time in auto loan, the allowed terms of the auto loan lender are 36, 48, 60, or 72 months. In the shorter loan, the client can get lower rates but with higher payments per month compared to the loan with longer terms. The repayment fees are seldom charged by the auto loan lender, which is the charge acquired for early loan payment. It is also a requirement that the vehicle must be insured to safeguard the client's investment for instances like vehicle loss or damage. The required insurance coverage amount is determined in the policy of the auto loan lender.

The Federal Funds Rate must be frequently watched out by the auto loan lender to ascertain the existing auto loan rates. Though there is no direct connection on the existing auto loan rate and Federal Funds Rate the alterations in interim money cost can have an effect on the existing auto loan rates. The locally collected deposits fund the money of the auto loan lenders. These locally collected deposits are in the kind of time deposits where the auto loan lenders get funds. These fund costs are the interest gained from time deposits, which is used for the loans by the auto loan lender. The short-term loan rates also boosts when the costs of funds of the auto loan lenders increase. The improvement of the Federal Reserve took almost a year because of the drifting of rates. Thus the Federal Reserve also contributes in increasing the existing rates on the auto loan. This is the important detail that you should be aware of when obtaining auto refinance.

Auto refinance is important in getting auto loan for the client can get lower interest rate to lower their monthly payment. This is also an easy and fast process.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/personal-finance-articles/auto-refinance-auto-loan-lender-727466.html

About the Author

The http://www.autorefinancetips.net/ can give you different tips on how you can own a car through loan. Not only that, it also gives various information how to refinance your car, updates you to the most recent rate in auto refinance, and most of all, provides primary information about auto loan refinance.


Day Loan Same

Malaysia March 1977, this ...

Same Day Payday Loans - Commonly Asked Questions

Author: channing stump

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If you're having a shortage of money and you're - most likely - thinking in same day loan online, you will find four things that you'll need to know prior to making a choice; how an same day loan functions, just how much interest you'll pay, how to obtain it within the next 24 hours and just how much you are able to be lent. We hope, this information will give you the info you'll need plus a suggested resource for further advice.

What's a same Day Loan?

Same day loans are the components of pay day loans. Whenever you experience important need of money these financial loans are really helpful. Same day financial loans are approved without having any credit rating checks simply because they're unsecured financial loans. In addition, poor credit background shouldn't be an hindrance for individuals. Same Day loans are concerned as temporary money financial loans. They offer quick cash overlooking all of the inefficient formalities.

What are the rates on same Day Financial loans?

Very first, it is really a point that same day financial loans or payday financial loans are really highly-priced. Loan companies in this industry tend to charge really higher service fees. Usually, a direct cash loan provider will charge $15-20 on each $100 borrowed. This means you'll pay a higher CTR on a full borrowed amount. Nonetheless, you are able to benefit of the competitive contest amongst cash creditors, simply because of this, same day financial loans are now obtainable at smaller fees. So, make an comprehensive evaluation of the creditors prior to deciding for a desirable lender.

Why Ought to I Fill an Online Application?

Just how much Can I Borrow With a same Day Loan?

Usually, you are able to get up to $1.500 - 2.000. You may get a lot more money, but this really is based on the credit history position of the applicant. So, having a trusted credit account is usually advantageous for you. Nevertheless, you might apply for lees, for instance, you are able to borrow $200 or $500 as same day financial loans and there's no issue with that.

Lastly, so that you can be approved you'll need to make at least $1000 per month as earnings. An productive checking account will be also required, the account wherever you receive your paycheque to on a normal basis ought to be sufficient, this really is essential simply because most lenders will deposit the loan straight into your account.

To identify a legitimate payday loan lender and compare rates online have a look at the following link:

Free Debt Advice

contact us for free debt advice = 8883613619

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/same-day-payday-loans-commonly-asked-questions-2175989.html

About the Author

MyEasyCashAdvance.com is a matchmaker in the payday loan industry. They pair consumers who need fast cash up with legitimate lenders and force the lenders to compete for the loan therefore resulting in the lowest rate.

http://www.myeasycashadvance.com


Refinance Car Loan

car lease jpg

Do You Need A Refinance Car Loan?

Author: Uchenna Ani-Okoye

When comparing car loans of different lenders, it can be difficult shopping. However, you will find out that refinance car loans are getting more and more competitive nowadays so spending a little time can save you money.

A slight change in the interest rate offered by a refinance car loan can make a big difference. Looking for the best interest rate won't be frustrating after comparing various car loans.

Always keep in mind that refinance car loan packages consist of more than interest rates. When comparing rates of different lenders, make sure you compare also the associated points.

When comparing lenders, compare also the loan related fees since the other fees are usually independent of the lender.

Furthermore, when comparing refinance car loans of different lenders, you need to investigate and compare all loan features thoroughly. Pay special attention to the presence of prepayment penalties and the availability and terms of conversion options.

Finally, for each refinance car loan you are comparing, find out the lock-in period, during which the interest rate and points quoted to you will be guaranteed. There are lock-in periods that range from 30, 45 to 60 days. Some lenders offer a lock-in for only a short period of time, say 15 days.

When the lock-in period is longer, the price of the refinance car loan is higher. The lock-in period should be long enough to allow for settlement before the lock-in period expires.

You can take advantage of lower rates by refinancing your car loan. Refinancing a car loan could put some extra cash in your pocket as well. If you financed a car within the last 18 months, you may be able to beat your former rate through a refinance car loan.

Back then, you could have been so caught up in the excitement of buying a new car that you forgot to focus on the financing deal and instead, focused on its colour and leather seats.

Think of it this way, if you apply for a refinance car loan, you've got nothing to lose but only savings to gain. Here are some easy tips to help you decide to get a refinance car loan or not:

First, ask yourself, what are you trying to accomplish by refinancing your debt? Are you looking for means to pay as little interest as possible? Would you rather have a different type of financing?

Second, think of your credit situation as a real scenario. Will your credit qualifications allow you to get the best refinancing deal? Try to get a copy of your credit report before applying for a refinance car loan.

Third, have a second look at the loan you're already signed. Try to determine how the rate on your current loan is calculated. With a simple-interest loan, interest is charged daily based on the balance due.

If there is no prepayment penalty on your current car loan and you plan to keep the car for several years, then it makes sense to go after a lower interest rate.

Fourth, compare your current loan terms with the refinance car loan terms to determine whether or not you will have any real savings.

It's important that you decide ahead of time what you will do with any newfound monthly savings you would have from a refinance car loan.

If you continue to send in the same amount as your original loan payment, you'll double or perhaps triple the benefits of a refinance car loan because you are reducing the principle much more quickly.

If you send only the required amount, you'll be paying less monthly but you won't be speeding up your debt reduction by paying off the principal sooner.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/loans-articles/do-you-need-a-refinance-car-loan-441288.html

About the Author

Uchenna Ani-Okoye is an internet marketing advisor and co founder of Free Affiliate Programs

For more information and resource links on car loans visit: Cheap High Risk Auto Insurance


Reward Credit Card

Apply for a Credit Card  Choosing Your Reward Card

Pet Rewards™ Visa® Card | Apply Online

Author: College Credit Builder

Now credit card holders can now upload their pet’s picture onto the Pet Rewards™ Visa® Credit Card issued by Bank of America®.  (www.petcreditcardrewards.com ).   This pet credit card has earned high marks from credit card consumers and pet owners across the country.  Like many retailers, airlines and colleges have done for years, pet owners can now customize their credit cards to display a picture of their favorite pets.  Moreover, pet owners can earn valuable reward points that can reduce pet related expenses -- a valuable feature -- particularly in these difficult economic times. 

Features offered by the Pet Rewards™ Visa® Credit Card from Bank of America

include:

•           Earn two PetRewards Points for each dollar you spend at participating veterinary clinics, pet food retailers, farm and feed stores, and neighborhood pet specialty stores

•           1 point for every dollar you spend on everyday purchases

•           500 bonus points after your first purchase.

•           Rewards begin at just 750 points

•           Earn points toward veterinary services, pet food discount certificates, and shelter donations

•           Mini Card available

*See Bank of America® website for complete terms and conditions of card usage and application disclosure.

During this difficult economic period, turbulence in the stock market, illiquidity in the credit markets and the softening real estate market, one thing remains constant – pet lovers across the country are crazy about their pets.  With the Pet Rewards™ Visa® Credit Card, pet owners can be reminded of their much loved dog, cat or other pet every time they take out their wallets.  Pet lovers carry this card with great pride.  Visit www.petcreditcardrewards.com to complete the credit card application online.

http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/apply-online--pet-credit-card--pet-rewards-visa-657620.html

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/credit-articles/pet-rewards-visa-card-apply-online-664920.html

About the Author


Rewards Credit Card

Credit Card Rewards Flight

Chase Credit Card Rewards

Author: Marry Jazz

Chase Card Circuit City Rewards is a new program jointly created and introduced by Chase and Circuit City Stores, Inc. This is the latest credit card reward program from the two companies that aims to empower City Circuit consumers by giving them opportunities to earn rewards in all their Circuit City purchases. The Chase Card City Circuit Rewards can be availed by getting the new Circuit City Rewards Visa Card.

Under the Chase Card Circuit City Rewards, cardholders of the new Circuit City Rewards Visa Card is entitled to earn reward points totaling five percent on all card purchases made at any Circuit City store including through the Circuit City online store. They can also use the card to avail the special financing scheme of Circuit City.

However, the purchases under special financing or installment payment plan and purchase of gift cards are not qualified to earn reward points. But on the other hand, the Chase Card Circuit City Rewards honors the purchases that are made anywhere else by giving cardholders a reward point of one percent if they will use Circuit City Rewards Visa Card in paying their purchases in other establishments.

The Chase Card Circuit City Rewards program also has a flexible redemption process because it allows cardholders to redeem an item from Circuit City for as soon as they accumulated 500 reward points on their accounts. The 500 reward points is equivalent to $5 Circuit City reward certificate which they can be also used to pay for purchases at any Circuit City stores.

The cardholders of Circuit City Rewards Visa Card can likewise view their reward points through the website of Circuit City or by calling the customer service of the company at 800-603-8987. Interested consumers who would like to avail the Chase Card Circuit City Rewards may apply for the new Visa card and they will receive instant credit in Circuit City stores nationwide.

Chase Check Card Leisure Rewards

Chase Check Card Leisure Rewards is one the most popular check cards being used by million of people in and out the United States. Unlike typical check cards, this check card is unique and rewarding to use because it has easy reward features that allow cardholders to earn points when they use the said check card.

To give you an idea about the Chase Check Card Leisure Rewards, think of it as a checking card where you normally issue when paying for any purchase and at the same time give you points that you can redeem for wide variety of merchandise, movie passes, services and even airline tickets at no extra cost to you.

Through the Chase Check Card Leisure Rewards, you can earn points for every $1 spent on qualifying purchases made with this check card. You can also make automatic payment for your utility bills, insurance premiums, membership fees and your other fixed monthly expenses using this card. Simply call a customer service representative to guide you about using this feature.

All of these purchases or payments will be credited toward your bank account and are eligible to become points that you can use to exchange to Chase Leisure Rewards which includes exclusive reward items such as Marriott hotel accommodation, Red Door gift certificates, Continental Airlines tickets, golf and ski passes.

Other purchases that are eligible to become points are those from groceries, gas, restaurant bills as well as phone, mail-order and internet purchases. The Chase Check Card Leisure Rewards however, impose a minimal annual fee of $25. But these can be offset by tremendous range of premium reward items that one can not find in any other reward programs. The cardholders are guaranteed to redeem their desired reward without any restriction or black out dates and they can start redeeming as soon as they accumulated 2000 points.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/chase-credit-card-rewards-330361.html

About the Author
Marry Jazz is a successful author of www.airline-miles-credit-card-info.com

Reward Credit Cards

Destination Guide american express blue sky points

Credit Card Reward Points - A Consumer Guide to Choose Smartly Among Many Reward Options

Author: Jaydeep Bhattacharjee

ICICI Bank has perhaps the largest credit card base in India and also has one of the most elaborate reward programs among the banks. They are the ones who started the express reward program which gives accelerated accumulation of reward points depending on the total purchase on a card and it gives incentive to customers to spend on ICICI card as they can accumulate points at up to five fold speed than the normal pace of 1 point for every Rs 100 spent. The express reward program of ICICI Bank became popular in no time as customers were accumulating more points than other cards and their express reward program were soon emulated by other banks like HDFC.

The first thing that a consumer should understand that it is not only the number of reward points that matter but also the kind of gifts that are available for redemption and the number of reward points required to redeem them. I have been using credit cards for the last 10 years for personal and business expenses and always do my analysis before redeeming the points which I accumulate on a regular basis. I have cards from almost all leading issuers like ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Citibank, Standard Chartered and HSBC Bank and if you ask my pick I would say HSBC among silver card and HDFC among gold.

ICICI Bank which is the most aggressive player in the credit card space but it has also the most hyped reward program. Initially it had very good reward options like Taj and Welcome group hotel vouchers for its gold members but those has been withdrawn long back. Actually their express reward program has lost its attraction as you need more ICICI reward points to redeem a gift (say a Pantaloons voucher worth Rs 500) compared to other cards like HSBC or HDFC.

Usually the banks have more or less the same gifts for its reward program but now individual banks are working to differentiate in their offerings. Still the common items across all reward programs are the departmental store vouchers, vouchers for apparel and fashion accessory brands, fast food restaurant vouchers and some consumer durable products like mixer/grinder, toaster, OTG and microwave. But a consumer having more than one credit card will do well if he first compares and then select the right reward points for claiming a particular voucher as I have found that you need almost double reward points in ICICI card than that of HSBC to claim some particular gifts.

If you have a gold card then probably you have a wider choice as most banks have some special reward options for gold card members which are generally leisure products like hotel vouchers, perfumes and collectibles. The HDFC gold card program allows you to choose between some good perfume and EDT but I would not suggest the collectibles like Victorinox Swiss Army Knife or Magpie bar set as I don't think those deals are attractive. For ICICI gold members the deals are not so good anymore as now they have more deals which require you to pay additional money and not just reward points.

ICICI Bank has something called spotlight rewards where they try to push junk and cheap Chinese made electronics products like digital camera, USB pen drive and so on and that too sometimes on cash and reward points. The spotlight rewards are highly avoidable and basically they provide the least value in any reward category by any bank. I personally ordered once for a foldable tea table by redeeming for more than 1000 points under the spotlight reward category and the stuff I got was actually defective and would hardly cost Rs 100.

It is not only ICICI that ships defective materials but other banks too and so the choice of the gift is very important if a customer wants to make the most out of its reward points. I ordered once OTG from my HDFC Gold card and the OTG was found defective. After lots of complaints and persuasion that defective OTG was replaced with another defective one and since that day I decided to never go for any consumer durables.

I think a smart consumer should avoid consumer durables and any electronic items as these credit card companies seems to source factory seconds to cut cost which is actually shameful. The best things you can get are the vouchers but don't forget to make the comparison if you have multiple credit cards. Some other things you can try are perfumes, magazine subscriptions and collectibles but make sure that they are not asking for too many reward points.

If you are holding a co-branded card like Citibank Jet Airways or Amex Indian then converting the reward points to Air miles are a good option. HSBC silver cards also offer Jet Airways and Kingfisher air miles and that's why I think it has one of the best reward programs as on today.

The final advice is don't get yourself in a debt trap by getting lured by the gifts and express reward programs. A smart consumer pays all bills and expenses thru credit cards but also pays the credit card bill in full. This is the best way to accumulate your reward points and redeem them for cool gifts at a later point with incurring interest or additional cost.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/credit-card-reward-points-a-consumer-guide-to-choose-smartly-among-many-reward-options-198931.html

About the Author

Jaydeep Bhattacharjee writes on consumer issues concerning the Indian consumers. He is the founder of http://www.admanya.com - India's leading C2C portal. Admanya is free and it completely depends on consumer participation for its content. Join Admanya and be an empowered consumer - you can read or write a review about almost any product or service.


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