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Credit
Cards
A credit card is a
form of borrowing that often involves charges. The credit card terms
and conditions affect your overall cost, so it is important to compare
the terms and fees before you agree to open a credit card account. You
will want to consider the following terms when applying for a credit
card:
Annual Percentage Rate - The APR is a measure of the cost of
credit, expressed as a yearly rate. This must be disclosed to you
before you become obligated on the account and on your account
statements. Some credit card plans allow the issuer to change your APR
when interest rates or other economic indicators change. Rate changes
will raise or lower the finance charge on your account.
Free Period - Sometimes called a "grace period", this is a free
period that lets you avoid finance charges by paying your balance in
full before the due date. Knowing whether a card gives you a free
period is especially important if you plan to pay your account in full
each month. Without a free period, the card issuer may impose a
finance charge from the date you use your card.
Annual Fees - Most issuers charge annual membership or
participation fees. They usually range from $25 to $100, sometimes up
to several hundred dollars for "gold" or "platinum" cards.
Transaction Fees and Other Charges - Some card issuers charge a
fee if you use the card to get a cash advance, make a late payment, or
exceed your credit limit. Some even charge a monthly fee whether you
use the card or not.
Your
Cardholder Protections
Federal Law protects your use of credit cards:
Prompt Credit for Payment - An issuer must credit your account
the same day the payment is received. To avoid charges, following the
issuer's mailing instructions. Payments sent to the wrong address
could delay crediting your account.
Refunds of Credit Balances - When you make a return or pay more
than the total balance, you can keep the credit on your account or
write the issuer for a refund. A refund must be issued within seven
business days of receiving your request.
Errors On Your Bill - Issuers must follow rules for promptly
correcting billing errors. If you find a mistake on your bill, you can
dispute the charge and withhold payment on that amount while the
charge is being investigated.
If you decide to dispute a charge:
• Write to the creditor at the address indicated on your statement for
"billing inquiries". Include your name, address, account number and a
description of the error.
• Send your letter quickly. It must reach the creditor within 60 days
after the first bill containing the error was mailed to you.
The creditor must acknowledge your complaint in writing within 30 days
of receipt unless the problem has been resolved. At the very least,
the dispute must be resolved within two billing cycles, but no longer
than 90 days.
If You Lose Your Card - If you report a loss before the card is
used, you cannot be held responsible for any unauthorized charges. If
the card is used before you report it missing, the most you will owe
for unauthorized charges is $50. To minimize your liability, report
the loss as soon as possible.
Disputes about Merchandise or Services - You can dispute
charges for unsatisfactory goods and services. To do so, you must:
- have made the purchase in your home state or within 100 miles of
your current billing address.
- the charge must be for more than $50, and
- you must make a good faith effort to resolve the dispute with the
seller.
Credit Card Tips
- Shop around for the plan that best fits your needs.
- Make sure you understand a plan's terms before you accept the card.
- Hold on to receipts to reconcile charges when your bill arrives.
- Protect your cards and account numbers to prevent unauthorized use.
- Keep a record - separate from your cards - of your account numbers,
phone numbers, and expiration dates so you can report a loss quickly.
(Photocopying the front and back of your cards and putting the copy in
a safe place is a good idea).
- Carry only the cards you think you will use.
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Education
Center
Helpful Financial Forms - Download financial forms.
Credit
Cards - Learn about important terms before applying for a
credit card.
Consumer Rights - Learn about your rights under the Fair
Credit Reporting Act.
Debt Warning Signs - Learn about the warning signs of debt.
Credit
Scores - Learn about credit scores and why they are so
important.
Telemarketing Scams - Top 10 telemarketing scams.
Money Saving Tips - Tips to help you save money.
Consumer Debt Statistics - Detailed consumer debt statistics
in the U.S.
Debt Management Plan - How debt management helps you.
Credit
Repair - How credit repair helps you.
Foreclosure Prevention - How and why to prevent foreclosure.
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