Spending Bonuses Wisely By: AlterSage | - A bonus is a great financial boost, often coming at a time of the year when many people are tightening their belts. While the temptation to blow your bonus on a desirable item or a shopping spree can be considerable, there are far more practical, and ultimately more profitable, ways to spend your bonus.
Spending your bonus wisely is not about depriving yourself. There is no reason not to spend a portion of your bonus on your year-end holiday or on an indulgence that you have been cr ... Tags:bonus, year-end, credit card, debt, interest, investment
Doing Your Grocery Shopping With A Credit Card By: AlterSage | - Buying groceries is one of the most common regular expenses for any household and it is easy to become complacent about grocery shopping. Particularly as the year is drawing to an end, when you may need to budget for the holidays, it is important to manage grocery spending and look for the best deals.
If you regularly use your credit card to shop for groceries, you are in a good position to analyse your grocery spending patterns. An examination of your monthly itemised statement can ... Tags:grocery, shopping, credit card
Credit Cards With Rewards By: NEO@OGILVY | - If you regularly use a credit card it makes sense to join a programme that rewards you for normal spending.
What is a rewards programme?
A credit cards rewards programme is an incentive linked to your credit card which provides some kind of return to cardholders in exchange for spending with their credit cards. Rewards often take the form of points that can be accumulated and exchanged for goods. Some reward programmes offer specialised incentives for spending, like air ... Tags:credit card rewards air miles points programme
Find And Compare Credit Card Deals By: NEO@OGILVY | - With so many credit cards on the market and no shortage of appealing deals it is more important than ever to look at a range of credit card options and select the ones that offer true value.
The internet has transformed the way consumers make decisions. With so much information available at the click of a button, it is now possible to get very detailed information about all the available options before making a decision. However, so much data can soon become overwhelming, an ... Tags:credit card comparison compare deals south africa value rewa
South African Credit Cards By: NEO@OGILVY | - South Africa has a sophisticated banking sector with a competitive credit card market. For this reason,it pays to shop around and carefully compare the credit cards available before choosing the credit product that's right for you.
Credit card providers
Credit cards are of little use if merchants won't accept them. Happily, almost all retailers who accept credit cards in South Africa, and indeed around the world, will accept MasterCard and Visa branded cards. For this ... Tags:credit cards south africa security national act profile
Ogino Il En Plastiq By: catsuit | - The merchandise itself is the star of the show. Christian Louboutin clothes are not about pretty. The line embodies the cerebral side of glamour: That is why empowered modern women have granted the work of Miuccia Christian Louboutin near cult status. And Christian Louboutin is in the details: little quality touches only smart people would notice and covet. What Miuccia has created is an anti-flash uniform that, paradoxically, makes a woman feel individual. In a recent Vanity Fair feature ... Tags:
Credit Card Calculators By: AlterSage | - Credit cards are a good way to manage spending. Comprehensive statements makes it possible to keep track of every purchase, and simple-to-use credit card calculators make working out the rate of repayment straightforward.
How can a credit card calculator help me?
Using credit prudently often comes down to balancing the benefits of an extended repayment time with the cost-effectiveness of making repayments quickly. This might sound complicated, but it is ... Tags:plastiq, credit cards, credit card calculator
Credit Card Faqs By: AlterSage | - What is the difference between a debit card and a credit card?
When you spend with a debit card, the amount is deducted directly from the money deposited in your savings or cheque account. A credit card effectively allows you to borrow money from your bank for each transaction. When you spend with your credit card, the bank is extending credit for the amount spent. In return, you agree to repay that money over a certain period.
Credit Card Skimming By: AlterSage | - Arm yourself against card skimming scams.
There is no doubt that using a credit card is safer than walking around with large amounts of cash. However, criminals can be resourceful and some have developed high-tech methods to steal from victims.
Skimming is a type of credit card fraud that involves copying a customers credit card information which is then used for illegal transactions. Skimming most commonly happens during a legitimate transaction at a shop ... Tags:skimming, credit card fraud, plastiq, identity theft
What Protection Do Credit Cards Offer? By: AlterSage | - Credit cards are the safe way to make payments and manage debt, but what kind of protection do consumers have against credit card fraud, or if theyre unable to repay their debt?
Provided you use your credit card sensibly, it is one of the safest ways to make payments and manage your debt. Of course, each credit card holder has a responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud and unpaid debt, but that doesnt mean you dont have protection against events outside ... Tags:credit card protection plan, debt insurance, plastiq
How Credit Cards Work By: AlterSage | - You use your credit card to pay for a range of goods and services across the globe. Your card is swiped, and within seconds, payment is approved and the transaction is completed successfully - provided you havent reached your maximum spending limit. But have you ever wondered how credit cards work?
Read on to learn more about credit cards, and how they work to enable cardholders to pay for goods and services at millions of merchants around the world. Still need a credit card? Be ... Tags:how credit cards work information advice advantages benefits
Is It Safe To Apply For A Credit Card Online? By: AlterSage | - Nowadays, you can do almost anything online. From purchasing books and CDs to paying for holidays and air flights, Internet users are able to complete most types of payments, purchases, bookings and requests online. In fact, its even possible to apply for a credit card online - and best of all, its simple, fast and secure.
If youre considering applying for a credit card online but are concerned about your online security, always ensure you select a reputable banking site or ... Tags:apply credit card online safe find compare plastiq
Credit Interest Rates By: AlterSage | - When you make use of credit, youre borrowing money that belongs to a lender, and youre obliged to pay interest in order to enjoy this benefit. Different types of credit incur different interest rates for example, student loans and home loans are usually charged at lower interest rates than short-term loans and credit cards. But, regardless of the type of credit youre using, you will be charged interest on it.
All About Debt Review By: AlterSage | - If youre straining under the weight of excessive debt, its likely that youve considered a number of options for dealing with this problem. Unmanageable debt is a matter that requires immediate attention, and in order for it to be solved effectively, its often necessary to obtain help.
One of the major reasons that consumers choose to apply for debt review rather than declare insolvency is that their assets are protected. Consumers under debt review, or undergoing debt co ... Tags:debt review repair credit advice pro con balance transfer
How To Qualify For A Credit Card By: AlterSage | - You may not need a credit card right now, but it's likely that at some point in the future, you may well do. Credit cards enable individuals to undertake larger transactions, purchase goods online, rent cars and cover the costs of unexpected expenses. They are useful financial tools which, when used properly, can help you to manage your money effectively.
If you intend to apply for a credit card in the future, there are a number of things you can do today to improve the likelihood o ... Tags:qualify, credit, card, advice, information, apply, plastiq
Why Was My Credit Card Application Declined? By: AlterSage | - There are a number of reasons that lenders may decline your application for a credit card. We've outlined a few of the more common reasons below, and this information may help you to be more successful next time you apply.
1) You can't afford any more debt
When you apply for a credit card, the bank closely inspects your financial situation, taking into account your income, your existing debt and everyday living expenses among other things. Do you already have a credit card, st ... Tags:credit card, application, declined, advice, reasons, debt
What To Do If You Have Too Much Debt By: AlterSage | - For most people, it happens quickly: One day, they're efficiently managing their finances, and seemingly the next, they're drowning in debt that they simply cannot afford to repay. Does this sound familiar to you?
For people who find themselves with unmanageable debt, the reality is scary and uncertain. But through efficient debt management, as well as the help of their lenders, individuals can regain control of their finances and settle their debt over time.
Using Your Credit Card When You Travel By: AlterSage | - Credit cards offer many valuable benefits, one of the greatest being the convenience and safety they offer when you travel, as theyre widely accepted around the world.
If youre intending to travel abroad and dont yet own a credit card, its well worth applying for one. Not only will you benefit from one of the easiest payment methods available, but youll also have the added security of a line of credit, wherever in the world you may be.
How To Choose Your Credit Card By: AlterSage | - When it comes to choosing your credit card, its important to select the card that is going to benefit you most. A credit card is a valuable financial resource, and choosing the right one could offer you more freedom and financial flexibility than before.
Credit card users can be classified into different groups, and below, weve outlined four common types of credit users in South Africa. Identify the one that best matches your spending style to discover which could be the right ... Tags:choosing, credit card, right, compare, find, business, rewar
The Benefits Of Owning A Credit Card By: AlterSage | - Are you thinking about applying for a credit card? If youre still undecided about whether or not a credit card is for you, its worth considering the benefits of owning one.
Thousands of South Africans use credit cards each day, benefiting from the financial flexibility that credit cards offer them. When used responsibly, credit cards can be a valuable resource and an efficient money management tool, and could enable you to purchase goods and services youd otherwise be unab ... Tags:benefits, owning, credit card, apply, online, application
Credit Cards To Match Your Lifestyle By: AlterSage | - Credit cards offer a simple yet effective means of handling your finances, and can help you achieve the lifestyle you want on terms that you can manage. Most banks will help you to select the right type of credit card based upon your earnings, credit history and financial standing.
You can, however, assess these factors yourself. Take the guesswork out of choosing the right credit card by using the handy credit card selection tools offered by credit card comparison websites. Altern ... Tags:match, credit card, lifestyle, choosing, comparing, south af
What Rewards Can I Get From A Credit Card? By: AlterSage | - Cardholder rewards are not a new phenomenon. In fact, theyre being offered more and more frequently as banks and businesses compete for customers. But how valuable are these rewards if theyre not tailored to your personal tastes? The answer is, not really. Thus, there is a range of innovative rewards credit cards designed to cater to the unique preferences of individual cardholders. After all, a reward isnt a reward if its not valuable to the recipient.
What To Consider When Choosing A Credit Card By: AlterSage | - It seems that almost everywhere you look, theres a different credit card being offered, with different rates and features. If you want to apply for a credit card in South Africa, there are many different options, and choosing the right credit card is important.
Dont be overwhelmed by the number of cards out there. Because in fact, narrowing down your choice is not too tricky. Once youve separated the quality credit cards from the less desirable ones, youll be left with a ... Tags:choosing credit card, selection tool, plastiq
Credit Cards And Travel Insurance By: AlterSage | - Next time you go on holiday, be sure to pay for your air tickets using your credit card. Why? Because many South African credit cards offer automatic travel insurance when you use them to pay for flights. So, before you purchase any travel tickets, be sure to find out whether your credit card offers free travel insurance.
Travel insurance is vital for any person travelling locally or abroad. It serves to cover you for a range of eventualities that could arise whilst you travel a ... Tags:credit card, travel insurance, free, automatic, qualify, ned
What Is A Credit Card Protection Plan, And Do I Need It? By: AlterSage | - Many banks offer optional credit card insurance, also known as credit card protection plans or balance protection plans. These plans offer debt protection in the event of the cardholder being unable to settle the outstanding balance. This may be as a result of death, disability or critical illness, or retrenchment.
Credit card protection plans are affordable and simple to secure, and as a credit card holder, its worth exploring this type of insurance to determine whether its ... Tags:credit card insurance, protection plan, balance, plastiq, ca
How Are Credit Card Payments Prioritised? By: AlterSage | - When you make payments towards your credit card debt, do you know how those payments are prioritised in terms of interest, debt and actual charges?
By using your credit card, you arent only accumulating debt. Youre also incurring transactional fees and interest charges (if you havent settled your balance within the interest-free period, where applicable). Do you know how the bank prioritises your credit card payments? Its important to know how your bank divides up your m ... Tags:prioritising, credit card, payments, interest, charges, debt
How Much Credit Do I Qualify For? By: AlterSage | - When you qualify for a credit card, your bank will determine your credit limit, based upon a number of factors detailed below.
Credit cards offer individuals greater financial flexibility and improved spending power, by providing access to a line of credit on an ongoing basis. The amount of flexibility will, of course, be determined by your credit limit, which is set by the bank issuing your credit card. Credit limits are regularly reviewed, and can be increased or decreased based ... Tags:credit card, qualify, limit, income, NCA, national act
Credit Card Transaction Charges By: AlterSage | - Understanding credit card transaction charges will lower your bills and enable you to take advantage of free transactions and interest-free credit.
There are a number of fees and charges associated with using a credit card, and being aware of these will help you to minimise them as much as possible. The good news for consumers is that competition within the financial industry has provided more advantages to cardholders in recent years, including free transactions a ... Tags:credit card, transaction costs, charges, fees, 55 days inter
Credit Card Balance Transfers By: AlterSage | - A credit card balance transfer could reduce your monthly credit card repayments, saving you money and helping you to consolidate debt.
Just like any other line of personal credit, credit card debt is charged at a relatively high interest rate. This is primarily due to the higher risk associated with credit card loans, and the fact that that credit card debt is not very liquid: If a cardholder defaults on payment, its difficult to turn the outstanding balance into cash. Tags:credit card, balance, transfers, reduce, interest, debt cons
Applying For A Credit Card Online By: AlterSage | - Say goodbye to queues and hello to convenience, with easy online credit card applications.
Its never been easier to apply for a credit card in South Africa, thanks to the easy application facilities available online. These days, applying for a credit card can be done from the comfort of your home or office, without having to stand in long queues or fill out reams of paperwork.
All you need in order to apply for a credit card online is:
Understanding Interest-free Credit Periods By: AlterSage | - Many banks offer interest-free credit periods. Take advantages of this benefit, and you could avoid interest payments and save each month.
Traditionally, credit cards have featured high interest rates, which have put many people off the idea of getting one. However, interest-free credit has enabled consumers to make use of credit without incurring interest costs, provided they use this feature properly.
Protect Yourself From Credit Card Fraud By: AlterSage | - In 2008, R420-million worth of credit card fraud was committed in South Africa. That is R35-million per month squandered by clever criminals who have entire syndicates dedicated to making money illegally. Dont fool yourself into thinking these syndicates are unintelligent they are trained and dedicated thieves.
How is credit card fraud committed?
There are lots of ways to steal money from a credit card.
Credit Card Rewards Programmes - What Will Work For You By: AlterSage | - Credit card rewards programmes are a viable method of earning free or discounted items and services through spending money on a credit card. Rewards are issued as an incentive for card use. If you know how to manage your credit card properly, you will be able to reap large benefits from your rewards programme. Business and personal credit cards offer rewards programmes.
Business Credit Cards - Which One Is Right For Your Business By: AlterSage | - Business credit cards are a source of financial independence and security for small, medium and large companies. This type of card allows a business far greater control over their finances and purchasing on credit than a regular business cheque account.
Why apply for a business card?
Financially, a business credit card can save a business money and even earn them extra financial rewards. These cards often have a higher interest rate (APR) than personal cards. However, the paym ... Tags:credit card comparison, south africa, compare, plastiq, find
Applying For A Credit Card - What You Need To Know By: AlterSage | - A credit card is a useful tool for money management and to boost your financial security. With proper use, a credit card can help with making big purchases which would otherwise not have been affordable. They can bring many benefits from membership rewards programmes and are an option as a savings plan with good interest rates. Cards can also be used for building a credit history and increasing credit scores. Regular and punctual payments prove to financial institutions that the cardholder can b ... Tags:credit card comparison, south africa, compare, plastiq
Sensible Ways Of Managing Credit Card Debt By: AlterSage | - Credit cards have earned themselves a bad reputation. Or rather - people managing their cards badly have earned credit cards a bad reputation. It is all too common to hear of someone stuck in the hellish cycle of credit card debt, struggling to pay off the balance because of exorbitant interest charges.
Properly managed credit cards can bring benefit to the cardholder in terms of financial stability, membership rewards and the ability to build up a good credit rating for larger limi ... Tags:credit card advice, balance, transfer cards, low interest
Credit Cards And Surviving The Recession By: AlterSage | - The recession is big news worldwide and affecting every household on a global scale. In Europe and the USA, the resulting credit crunch and calling in of outstanding debt has crippled economies and driven many businesses to bankruptcy. Applying for credit is not an easy feat in these areas and a low credit score is far more detrimental to a person's chances of credit approval than it was two years ago.
Choosing The Right Credit Card - South Africa By: AlterSage | - Choosing a credit card is not an easy decision. You can get a credit card from most major financial and banking institutions, but what is the best credit card available? Realistically, there is no card that is the 'coveted' choice. A card that works for one person will not work for someone else, as every individual has a different lifestyle and financial resources.
Managing Credit Cards Efficiently By: AlterSage | - Credit cards are a financial tool that can turn into a double edged sword if they are not used carefully. If you get a credit card and use it wisely, you can gain a better credit rating, maintain a responsible level of debt and save money on interest rates. If you use it carelessly and without knowing what you are doing, you are going to get into debt.
So how can you ensure that you are doing yourself a good service by having a credit card?
