Accept Credit Card Merchant Account
By Shane Penrod
If you’re looking to expand your business, you can soon accept
credit card merchant account payments by applying for a
merchant services account. Many lenders and financial
institutions are eager to provide this account to responsible
entrepreneurs who seek to provide credit card payment options
at their business. Whether you sell products from your home,
travel around to provide consulting or training services, or
conduct business solely over the Internet, a merchant services
account can help move your company into the e-commerce arena.
When you are ready to accept credit card merchant account
payments for your goods or services, start by shopping for an
established banker or lender that can offer you a merchant
services account. Look for a company that has been in business
for several years and enjoys a good reputation. You may want to
check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure that the company
is not running a scam and that it can provide as well as
maintain the benefits it offers. When you locate two or three
companies that you might want to work with, compare their
terms, prices, and equipment options. These can vary widely, so
first have an idea of what your company and customers need.
Don’t try to bite off more than you can chew by taking on too
much debt at first for equipment you may never or seldom use.
Instead, stay focused on your primary objective, which may be
as basic as processing credit card payments from customers who
stop by your restaurant for a meal. Only when you identify a
real need for additional services should you consider extending
your credit and your budget to buy these things, which might
include a pager, an e-check and debit processor, or a Website
credit payment processor.
If your business continues to grow and you want to accept
credit card merchant account payments on a wider scale, you can
set up a company Website to promote your company and offer
credit card processing options. A Website will let customers
visit any time it is convenient for them to do so, and you
don’t have to maintain a staff person on call to answer
questions. Just add an email option to the site, and your
clients can send questions, orders, or suggestions to you
directly, in addition to making credit card payments on goods
purchased at the Website. The site may include a product or
service description, price list, FAQs, and other relevant
details that will help answer customers’ questions and clear
the way for them to order online. Many people prefer this
shopping method to paying in cash or in person.
Accepting credit card payments can cost as little as a few
cents per transaction or an overall low percentage rate each
month. There may be additional fees, whoever, so be sure to ask
before signing a contract. Inquire about a domain name
registration, hosting fees, and site maintenance service terms.
Then get ready to watch as profits climb when you learn how to
accept credit card merchant account payments online.
About the Author: Shane Penrod is the founder of
Merchant-Account-Quotes.com Specializing in allowing merchants
the ability to shop and compare multiple quotes from national
merchant account providers. For free quotes on merchant account
rates and fees, please go to
http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Monday, August 6, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
Credit Card Debt: How To Get Rid Of It.
By Greg Mee
This method is simple, but requires some discipline.
First, you have to stop any new spending on your cards.
Second - you'll need to examine all of your spending. You'll
need to know how much extra money you'll be able to put towards
paying off your cards.
Credit card companies generally determine the minimum payment
to be 2 - 2.5% of the outstanding balance. So if you owe
$1,000, for example, your minimum payment will be 20 - $25 per
month.
Some part of that $25 goes to the interest on the balance, some
to pay off the actual balance. How much goes where depends on
the interest rate. Your credit card statement will give you the
exact numbers.
Let's say that $20 of the $25 goes to the actual balance. To
pay off $1,000 at $20 per month will take 50 months. Just over
four years. You'll also have paid $250 in interest alone.
Here's how you pay them off:
Look at the interest rates on all your credit cards. Take the
one with the highest rate. That's the one you're going to work
on first and we'll call it card #1.
After examining your spending you may have found some money to
put towards your payments. All of this extra money to pay off
your card debt goes to this one card. The idea is to pay as
much extra to card #1 as you can. Until it's paid off.
Pay the minimum balances on all the other cards until card #1
is done.
Then take the card with the next highest interest rate and add
to its payment the total of the payment you were making to card
#1. In other words, send the regular monthly payment you used to
send for card #1, plus any additional amounts that you used to
pay on card #1, plus the monthly minimum for card #2- all to
card #2. Do this until card #2 is done.
Then take the total you were paying to cards #1 and #2 and add
that to the payment on card #3, and so on.
Here's an example:
Let's say you have four, maxed out, credit cards. Each with a
balance of $5,000 ($20,000 total.)
Say the minimum payment on each card is $100 (yours may be
different) making your monthly minimum payment total $400.
Now let's say you have $500 per month to pay these off, which
you found through analyzing all your spending.
Card #1 has the highest interest rate and you'll send $200 per
month to that card and pay the minimums ($100) on each of the
others.
And you're not adding any new spending.
The extra $100 you're sending in to card #1 goes to the actual
balance of the card, not the interest. This will let you pay
that card off a lot faster. You might be able to kill this card
in two years, instead of 5.
Eventually, card #1 is dead. The entire payment, $200, that you
were making to card #1 gets added to the payment on card #2, for
$300 total. ($100 minimum plus the extra $200 from card #1.)
The balance on card #2 will be less than $5,000 since you've
been making your minimum payments all along. Adding the $200
from card #1 to the payment of $100 that you've been making to
card #2 will make this card go away much faster than the first
card did.
When card #2 is gone you take the $300 per month that you were
paying to #1 and #2 and add it to the payment on #3, which will
now be $400/month.
When #3 is done you repeat the procedure for card #4, but now
you're sending the whole $500/month to that one card.
Obviously this system will take years, but at the end of that
time you have:
* Four dead cards (hopefully you cut most of them up,)
* Spending and budgeting discipline earned from going through
the whole process, and
* $500/month to put into a savings account or where ever.
Good luck!
About the Author: Written by Greg Mee. For more help on
handling credit card debt visit
http://www.1-credit-card-debt.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Greg Mee
This method is simple, but requires some discipline.
First, you have to stop any new spending on your cards.
Second - you'll need to examine all of your spending. You'll
need to know how much extra money you'll be able to put towards
paying off your cards.
Credit card companies generally determine the minimum payment
to be 2 - 2.5% of the outstanding balance. So if you owe
$1,000, for example, your minimum payment will be 20 - $25 per
month.
Some part of that $25 goes to the interest on the balance, some
to pay off the actual balance. How much goes where depends on
the interest rate. Your credit card statement will give you the
exact numbers.
Let's say that $20 of the $25 goes to the actual balance. To
pay off $1,000 at $20 per month will take 50 months. Just over
four years. You'll also have paid $250 in interest alone.
Here's how you pay them off:
Look at the interest rates on all your credit cards. Take the
one with the highest rate. That's the one you're going to work
on first and we'll call it card #1.
After examining your spending you may have found some money to
put towards your payments. All of this extra money to pay off
your card debt goes to this one card. The idea is to pay as
much extra to card #1 as you can. Until it's paid off.
Pay the minimum balances on all the other cards until card #1
is done.
Then take the card with the next highest interest rate and add
to its payment the total of the payment you were making to card
#1. In other words, send the regular monthly payment you used to
send for card #1, plus any additional amounts that you used to
pay on card #1, plus the monthly minimum for card #2- all to
card #2. Do this until card #2 is done.
Then take the total you were paying to cards #1 and #2 and add
that to the payment on card #3, and so on.
Here's an example:
Let's say you have four, maxed out, credit cards. Each with a
balance of $5,000 ($20,000 total.)
Say the minimum payment on each card is $100 (yours may be
different) making your monthly minimum payment total $400.
Now let's say you have $500 per month to pay these off, which
you found through analyzing all your spending.
Card #1 has the highest interest rate and you'll send $200 per
month to that card and pay the minimums ($100) on each of the
others.
And you're not adding any new spending.
The extra $100 you're sending in to card #1 goes to the actual
balance of the card, not the interest. This will let you pay
that card off a lot faster. You might be able to kill this card
in two years, instead of 5.
Eventually, card #1 is dead. The entire payment, $200, that you
were making to card #1 gets added to the payment on card #2, for
$300 total. ($100 minimum plus the extra $200 from card #1.)
The balance on card #2 will be less than $5,000 since you've
been making your minimum payments all along. Adding the $200
from card #1 to the payment of $100 that you've been making to
card #2 will make this card go away much faster than the first
card did.
When card #2 is gone you take the $300 per month that you were
paying to #1 and #2 and add it to the payment on #3, which will
now be $400/month.
When #3 is done you repeat the procedure for card #4, but now
you're sending the whole $500/month to that one card.
Obviously this system will take years, but at the end of that
time you have:
* Four dead cards (hopefully you cut most of them up,)
* Spending and budgeting discipline earned from going through
the whole process, and
* $500/month to put into a savings account or where ever.
Good luck!
About the Author: Written by Greg Mee. For more help on
handling credit card debt visit
http://www.1-credit-card-debt.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
Business Credit Card Processing - The Benifits
By Shane Penrod
In developing a personal, home-based, or small community
business, you may find that it will grow to the point that
informal transactions are no longer advisable – this is where
business credit card processing comes into the picture. You will
need to upgrade your operational methods in order to provide
customers with the highest quality of doing business with your
company, which will undoubtedly include the benefits of business
credit card processing.
Some merchants prefer to keep accounts on a cash-only basis.
They believe that money transactions can be handled more quickly
and accurately than business credit card processing. However,
what they do not take into account is the amount of manual labor
and the potential for human error that typically accompany cash
transactions. That is why, as your business grows, it may be
time to invest in a credit card processing system.
Inexpensive and easy to operate, a business credit card
processing program will attract customers who enjoy the ease of
doing business with your organization. They will not need to
bring in the right amount of cash or worry about overspending.
Instead, they can shop for your products and services with an
easy mind, knowing that you will provide the convenience of a
credit card payment system. Whether you sell used books or
handmade baby clothes, a credit card payment option generally
attracts more clients who are willing to spend more than the
person who operates on a cash basis.
Wherever your business is headed, the going may be slow unless
you decide to grow your operation with business credit card
processing. Low monthly or per-transaction fees make this
equipment upgrade very affordable, even to merchants who are
still building a relatively small business. For example, some
companies require a small monthly gateway fee of perhaps $20 to
$25 or so in addition to a small rate per customer credit card
transaction. You may have the choice of paying perhaps 1.5% or
1.75% or 15 to 25 cents for each swipe of the card. Some
companies don’t even charge installation fees. A simply monthly
statement reflects the amount of business your new system is
bringing to the company. If after a few months you feel the
program doesn’t work well for your operation, you can always
stop using it and go back to the old way of doing things.
You can set up a retail credit card processing program using a
swiped card method of processing payments. Or you can use MOTO
for mainstream commerce. There is even an e-commerce option when
you are ready for the next step. Most systems are compatible
with numerous quality banking platforms for safe, easy
processing. It is important to work with a credit card
processing company that you can trust. Find one with a solid
reputation for quality business dealings. Get in touch with
staff members to ask questions and learn more about the
equipment, service and maintenance, as well as possible benefits
and problems with a credit card processor. Only then should you
consider signing a contract for the valuable and exciting
services provided by a business credit card processing program.
About the Author: Shane Penrod is the founder of
Merchant-Account-Quotes.com Specializing in allowing merchants
the ability to shop and compare multiple quotes from national
merchant account providers. For free quotes on merchant account
rates and fees, please go to
http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Shane Penrod
In developing a personal, home-based, or small community
business, you may find that it will grow to the point that
informal transactions are no longer advisable – this is where
business credit card processing comes into the picture. You will
need to upgrade your operational methods in order to provide
customers with the highest quality of doing business with your
company, which will undoubtedly include the benefits of business
credit card processing.
Some merchants prefer to keep accounts on a cash-only basis.
They believe that money transactions can be handled more quickly
and accurately than business credit card processing. However,
what they do not take into account is the amount of manual labor
and the potential for human error that typically accompany cash
transactions. That is why, as your business grows, it may be
time to invest in a credit card processing system.
Inexpensive and easy to operate, a business credit card
processing program will attract customers who enjoy the ease of
doing business with your organization. They will not need to
bring in the right amount of cash or worry about overspending.
Instead, they can shop for your products and services with an
easy mind, knowing that you will provide the convenience of a
credit card payment system. Whether you sell used books or
handmade baby clothes, a credit card payment option generally
attracts more clients who are willing to spend more than the
person who operates on a cash basis.
Wherever your business is headed, the going may be slow unless
you decide to grow your operation with business credit card
processing. Low monthly or per-transaction fees make this
equipment upgrade very affordable, even to merchants who are
still building a relatively small business. For example, some
companies require a small monthly gateway fee of perhaps $20 to
$25 or so in addition to a small rate per customer credit card
transaction. You may have the choice of paying perhaps 1.5% or
1.75% or 15 to 25 cents for each swipe of the card. Some
companies don’t even charge installation fees. A simply monthly
statement reflects the amount of business your new system is
bringing to the company. If after a few months you feel the
program doesn’t work well for your operation, you can always
stop using it and go back to the old way of doing things.
You can set up a retail credit card processing program using a
swiped card method of processing payments. Or you can use MOTO
for mainstream commerce. There is even an e-commerce option when
you are ready for the next step. Most systems are compatible
with numerous quality banking platforms for safe, easy
processing. It is important to work with a credit card
processing company that you can trust. Find one with a solid
reputation for quality business dealings. Get in touch with
staff members to ask questions and learn more about the
equipment, service and maintenance, as well as possible benefits
and problems with a credit card processor. Only then should you
consider signing a contract for the valuable and exciting
services provided by a business credit card processing program.
About the Author: Shane Penrod is the founder of
Merchant-Account-Quotes.com Specializing in allowing merchants
the ability to shop and compare multiple quotes from national
merchant account providers. For free quotes on merchant account
rates and fees, please go to
http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Friday, July 27, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
Credit Card Offers
By Beth Pardue
The vast majority of credit card offers you receive are fair
and ethical. But there are two things to look out for that some
credit card companies have been known to pull on unwary
customers. These tactics are perfectly legal, so your only
recourse to preventing them is to be alert.
The old bait and switch. You apply for a great credit card that
gives you tons of frequent-flier miles, hoping to put all of
your shopping on it, and then head to the Bahamas in February.
When and if you get that card, study the terms carefully. If
you don't qualify for the great card, the credit card company
can send you a completely different card with different
terms--without telling you. Visit www.amex-visa-mastercard.com
for a list of reputable credit card offers.
Cash advance fees and rates. Read the fine print on your
statement and you'll see it's a very bad idea to take cash out
on your credit card. Your card might have a really low rate for
purchases, but the rate for cash advances is much higher. And
there is no grace period--you start paying interest right away.
Aside from paying a high rate on the cash you take out, you're
going to pay a fee, usually 2 percent to 4 percent of the
amount advanced. And your payments will be applied to the
lower-interest balance before they are applied to your cash
advance. Don't get yourself into trouble with either of these
two mistakes ... read the terms of your credit card offers
carefully before you activate them.
About the Author: This article was written by Beth Pardue who
has over 10 years of experience in the financial industry
assisting clients with assorted financial needs. To learn more
about credit cards or to apply for a credit card online please
visit: Visit http://www.amex-visa-mastercard.com today!
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Beth Pardue
The vast majority of credit card offers you receive are fair
and ethical. But there are two things to look out for that some
credit card companies have been known to pull on unwary
customers. These tactics are perfectly legal, so your only
recourse to preventing them is to be alert.
The old bait and switch. You apply for a great credit card that
gives you tons of frequent-flier miles, hoping to put all of
your shopping on it, and then head to the Bahamas in February.
When and if you get that card, study the terms carefully. If
you don't qualify for the great card, the credit card company
can send you a completely different card with different
terms--without telling you. Visit www.amex-visa-mastercard.com
for a list of reputable credit card offers.
Cash advance fees and rates. Read the fine print on your
statement and you'll see it's a very bad idea to take cash out
on your credit card. Your card might have a really low rate for
purchases, but the rate for cash advances is much higher. And
there is no grace period--you start paying interest right away.
Aside from paying a high rate on the cash you take out, you're
going to pay a fee, usually 2 percent to 4 percent of the
amount advanced. And your payments will be applied to the
lower-interest balance before they are applied to your cash
advance. Don't get yourself into trouble with either of these
two mistakes ... read the terms of your credit card offers
carefully before you activate them.
About the Author: This article was written by Beth Pardue who
has over 10 years of experience in the financial industry
assisting clients with assorted financial needs. To learn more
about credit cards or to apply for a credit card online please
visit: Visit http://www.amex-visa-mastercard.com today!
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
Credit Card Processing Accessories
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton]Kent Pinkerton
Credit card processing accessories include a magnetic stripe reader, a keypad to enter prices and other information, and a small display. The printer can be either built-in or a separate unit. Traditional credit card terminals have different types of displays. Larger displays allow you see more information at once. Displays are usually measured in lines and columns. An 8 x 20 display has 8 lines of text in 20 columns. Backlit display is a standard feature in most new terminals. It lets you to see the terminal even in low light.
Keypads vary in size and number of keys. Larger keypads are very easy to use. There are many types of printers including dot matrix receipt printers, thermal receipt printers, and inkjet receipt printers. Credit card processing terminals are available with integrated fast thermal printer with automatic feeding system. Some of them have four users programmable function soft keys which help better interaction and built-in fast printer.
Credit card processing terminals are compact machines. Accessories such as integrated smart card readers, plug-in battery charger, and power cords are essential components. For virtual credit card terminals, phone or fax, software, computer, and internet connections are necessary. A credit card processing terminal that has a PIN pad can accept debit cards. Card reader cleaners and surge protectors are other credit card processing accessories. Printer paper, ribbons and ink cartridges, mounts and stackers, manual imprinters and imprinter slips, power packs, and cables are also indispensable credit card processing accessories.
There are a number of manufacturers who provide credit card processing accessories. They supply customers various quality solutions to suit their growing needs. Most of them are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of years from the date of shipment. [http://www.e-CreditCardTerminals.com]Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with [http://www.i-CreditCardProcessing.com]Credit Card Processing Software.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Processing-Accessories&id=353176
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton]Kent Pinkerton
Credit card processing accessories include a magnetic stripe reader, a keypad to enter prices and other information, and a small display. The printer can be either built-in or a separate unit. Traditional credit card terminals have different types of displays. Larger displays allow you see more information at once. Displays are usually measured in lines and columns. An 8 x 20 display has 8 lines of text in 20 columns. Backlit display is a standard feature in most new terminals. It lets you to see the terminal even in low light.
Keypads vary in size and number of keys. Larger keypads are very easy to use. There are many types of printers including dot matrix receipt printers, thermal receipt printers, and inkjet receipt printers. Credit card processing terminals are available with integrated fast thermal printer with automatic feeding system. Some of them have four users programmable function soft keys which help better interaction and built-in fast printer.
Credit card processing terminals are compact machines. Accessories such as integrated smart card readers, plug-in battery charger, and power cords are essential components. For virtual credit card terminals, phone or fax, software, computer, and internet connections are necessary. A credit card processing terminal that has a PIN pad can accept debit cards. Card reader cleaners and surge protectors are other credit card processing accessories. Printer paper, ribbons and ink cartridges, mounts and stackers, manual imprinters and imprinter slips, power packs, and cables are also indispensable credit card processing accessories.
There are a number of manufacturers who provide credit card processing accessories. They supply customers various quality solutions to suit their growing needs. Most of them are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of years from the date of shipment. [http://www.e-CreditCardTerminals.com]Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with [http://www.i-CreditCardProcessing.com]Credit Card Processing Software.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Processing-Accessories&id=353176
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
Credit Card Debt - Do You Feel Frustrated
By Scott Knutson
If you're one of those people who like to "charge it" to their
plastic, chances are you've piled up a mountain of debt. And
like most people who have spent their way into a financial
corner, are probably don't have the money to pay off your debt.
Credit card debt is a serious problem - a problem that won't
just simply go away on its own. Unfortunately, many people
compound their financial problems by doing just that - ignoring
it, because it's such a scary and humbling experience to face it
head on.
This is unfortunately a bad thing considering that people who
are in debt need to snap back to their senses and assess
whatever it is that they've still going for them and be ready to
face their debt no matter how overwhelming a problem it appears
to be.
Ok, it's time to get real and face the cold, hard reality that
you've stumbled a bit and now it's time to pick up the pieces.
Not fun, but the sooner you start the sooner the oppressive
weight of debt can be lifted from you life and you can go back
to living again.
Clearly, the first step is stop using your credit cards to buy
stuff. Give them a rest for goodness sakes, exercise a little
discipline and go back to only buying stuff you can afford,
which of course translates into paying for things the
old-fashioned way - with cash.
Surrendering your credit cards won't be easy, especially for
shopaholics like yourself, but then again if you would simply
remind yourself that if you don't do something soon you debt
will balloon out of control and before you know it you'll be
filing for bankruptcy. It's like the old car commercial that
talked about getting your oil changed and doing a little
preventive maintenance. The tag line was something like: "you
can pay me now or pay me later" with the clear implication that
you exercise a little discipline now (preventive maintenance) or
pay me later (a much costlier bill like a new engine).
On the other hand, excessively high credit card debt, no matter
how much it actually is, is not the end of the world - although
it feels like it. A lot of people who have had the same problem
have been given a second "financial" life after they stopped
irresponsibly using credit cards. Of course, they also put in
the effort to setup a budget and prioritized paying off their
and changed their spending habits to better reflect their income
and most importantly - they did something completely foreign -
they started to actually spend less than they made. So you see,
all is definitely not lost but it will take some effort.
Once you decide to start taking financial responsibility it's
time to take action. Be friendly with your creditors and by
friendly I mean asking for their advice on how you can
restructure your debt into a plan that you can actually afford
without having to starve yourself for years and don't be afraid
to ask for a big reduction in the interest you're being charged
and a little "forgiveness" in the amount of debt you owe - 50%
reduction is good target.
Knowing that you're actually interested in taking
responsibility for your credit card debt shows a lot of maturity
on your part and your creditors will most probably be more than
happy to help you out because 50% of whatever you owe at a lower
interest rate is better than the hope of getting 100% of nothing
- as in you filing for bankruptcy. Not that bankruptcy will
eliminate all your debt, it won't but this is not only a hassle
for you it's also a big hassle for your creditors.
Although your creditors won't give you the money to pay for
your credit card debt, they can educate you in what you really
need to know about fixing your finances: From learning how to
discipline yourself from overspending, having a monthly budget
as well keeping track of one's expenses is extremely important.
If you don't know these things it's nearly impossible to exhibit
proper financial responsibility and to bit the bullet and make
the necessary changes.
Once you've finally been given a fresh start with regards to
your financial life, don't even think of falling back to your
same old habits ever again. If your job doesn't let you enjoy
some of life's luxuries then you better make a choice between
having a lifestyle change or finding a better paying job or
getting a second job. You have to make sure that your income, no
matter how much it is, is more than you're spending.
Remember, credit cards are not the problem; it's your lack of
discipline. Learn to exercise discipline and having a credit
card or two is not a bad idea. Just be sure to payoff the
balances each month and only use them as an alternative to
always having to carry around a bunch of cash.
About the Author: Scott Knutson is an entrepreneur and writer.
For other articles he's written visit:
http://www.debtmergeresources.com/ |
http://www.debtmgmtresources.com | http://www.aneyeondebt.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Scott Knutson
If you're one of those people who like to "charge it" to their
plastic, chances are you've piled up a mountain of debt. And
like most people who have spent their way into a financial
corner, are probably don't have the money to pay off your debt.
Credit card debt is a serious problem - a problem that won't
just simply go away on its own. Unfortunately, many people
compound their financial problems by doing just that - ignoring
it, because it's such a scary and humbling experience to face it
head on.
This is unfortunately a bad thing considering that people who
are in debt need to snap back to their senses and assess
whatever it is that they've still going for them and be ready to
face their debt no matter how overwhelming a problem it appears
to be.
Ok, it's time to get real and face the cold, hard reality that
you've stumbled a bit and now it's time to pick up the pieces.
Not fun, but the sooner you start the sooner the oppressive
weight of debt can be lifted from you life and you can go back
to living again.
Clearly, the first step is stop using your credit cards to buy
stuff. Give them a rest for goodness sakes, exercise a little
discipline and go back to only buying stuff you can afford,
which of course translates into paying for things the
old-fashioned way - with cash.
Surrendering your credit cards won't be easy, especially for
shopaholics like yourself, but then again if you would simply
remind yourself that if you don't do something soon you debt
will balloon out of control and before you know it you'll be
filing for bankruptcy. It's like the old car commercial that
talked about getting your oil changed and doing a little
preventive maintenance. The tag line was something like: "you
can pay me now or pay me later" with the clear implication that
you exercise a little discipline now (preventive maintenance) or
pay me later (a much costlier bill like a new engine).
On the other hand, excessively high credit card debt, no matter
how much it actually is, is not the end of the world - although
it feels like it. A lot of people who have had the same problem
have been given a second "financial" life after they stopped
irresponsibly using credit cards. Of course, they also put in
the effort to setup a budget and prioritized paying off their
and changed their spending habits to better reflect their income
and most importantly - they did something completely foreign -
they started to actually spend less than they made. So you see,
all is definitely not lost but it will take some effort.
Once you decide to start taking financial responsibility it's
time to take action. Be friendly with your creditors and by
friendly I mean asking for their advice on how you can
restructure your debt into a plan that you can actually afford
without having to starve yourself for years and don't be afraid
to ask for a big reduction in the interest you're being charged
and a little "forgiveness" in the amount of debt you owe - 50%
reduction is good target.
Knowing that you're actually interested in taking
responsibility for your credit card debt shows a lot of maturity
on your part and your creditors will most probably be more than
happy to help you out because 50% of whatever you owe at a lower
interest rate is better than the hope of getting 100% of nothing
- as in you filing for bankruptcy. Not that bankruptcy will
eliminate all your debt, it won't but this is not only a hassle
for you it's also a big hassle for your creditors.
Although your creditors won't give you the money to pay for
your credit card debt, they can educate you in what you really
need to know about fixing your finances: From learning how to
discipline yourself from overspending, having a monthly budget
as well keeping track of one's expenses is extremely important.
If you don't know these things it's nearly impossible to exhibit
proper financial responsibility and to bit the bullet and make
the necessary changes.
Once you've finally been given a fresh start with regards to
your financial life, don't even think of falling back to your
same old habits ever again. If your job doesn't let you enjoy
some of life's luxuries then you better make a choice between
having a lifestyle change or finding a better paying job or
getting a second job. You have to make sure that your income, no
matter how much it is, is more than you're spending.
Remember, credit cards are not the problem; it's your lack of
discipline. Learn to exercise discipline and having a credit
card or two is not a bad idea. Just be sure to payoff the
balances each month and only use them as an alternative to
always having to carry around a bunch of cash.
About the Author: Scott Knutson is an entrepreneur and writer.
For other articles he's written visit:
http://www.debtmergeresources.com/ |
http://www.debtmgmtresources.com | http://www.aneyeondebt.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Friday, July 20, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
Credit Card Processing Accessories
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton]Kent Pinkerton
Credit card processing accessories include a magnetic stripe reader, a keypad to enter prices and other information, and a small display. The printer can be either built-in or a separate unit. Traditional credit card terminals have different types of displays. Larger displays allow you see more information at once. Displays are usually measured in lines and columns. An 8 x 20 display has 8 lines of text in 20 columns. Backlit display is a standard feature in most new terminals. It lets you to see the terminal even in low light.
Keypads vary in size and number of keys. Larger keypads are very easy to use. There are many types of printers including dot matrix receipt printers, thermal receipt printers, and inkjet receipt printers. Credit card processing terminals are available with integrated fast thermal printer with automatic feeding system. Some of them have four users programmable function soft keys which help better interaction and built-in fast printer.
Credit card processing terminals are compact machines. Accessories such as integrated smart card readers, plug-in battery charger, and power cords are essential components. For virtual credit card terminals, phone or fax, software, computer, and internet connections are necessary. A credit card processing terminal that has a PIN pad can accept debit cards. Card reader cleaners and surge protectors are other credit card processing accessories. Printer paper, ribbons and ink cartridges, mounts and stackers, manual imprinters and imprinter slips, power packs, and cables are also indispensable credit card processing accessories.
There are a number of manufacturers who provide credit card processing accessories. They supply customers various quality solutions to suit their growing needs. Most of them are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of years from the date of shipment. [http://www.e-CreditCardTerminals.com]Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with [http://www.i-CreditCardProcessing.com]Credit Card Processing Software.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Processing-Accessories&id=353176
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton]Kent Pinkerton
Credit card processing accessories include a magnetic stripe reader, a keypad to enter prices and other information, and a small display. The printer can be either built-in or a separate unit. Traditional credit card terminals have different types of displays. Larger displays allow you see more information at once. Displays are usually measured in lines and columns. An 8 x 20 display has 8 lines of text in 20 columns. Backlit display is a standard feature in most new terminals. It lets you to see the terminal even in low light.
Keypads vary in size and number of keys. Larger keypads are very easy to use. There are many types of printers including dot matrix receipt printers, thermal receipt printers, and inkjet receipt printers. Credit card processing terminals are available with integrated fast thermal printer with automatic feeding system. Some of them have four users programmable function soft keys which help better interaction and built-in fast printer.
Credit card processing terminals are compact machines. Accessories such as integrated smart card readers, plug-in battery charger, and power cords are essential components. For virtual credit card terminals, phone or fax, software, computer, and internet connections are necessary. A credit card processing terminal that has a PIN pad can accept debit cards. Card reader cleaners and surge protectors are other credit card processing accessories. Printer paper, ribbons and ink cartridges, mounts and stackers, manual imprinters and imprinter slips, power packs, and cables are also indispensable credit card processing accessories.
There are a number of manufacturers who provide credit card processing accessories. They supply customers various quality solutions to suit their growing needs. Most of them are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of years from the date of shipment. [http://www.e-CreditCardTerminals.com]Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with [http://www.i-CreditCardProcessing.com]Credit Card Processing Software.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Processing-Accessories&id=353176
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
Credit Card Processing Accessories
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton]Kent Pinkerton
Credit card processing accessories include a magnetic stripe reader, a keypad to enter prices and other information, and a small display. The printer can be either built-in or a separate unit. Traditional credit card terminals have different types of displays. Larger displays allow you see more information at once. Displays are usually measured in lines and columns. An 8 x 20 display has 8 lines of text in 20 columns. Backlit display is a standard feature in most new terminals. It lets you to see the terminal even in low light.
Keypads vary in size and number of keys. Larger keypads are very easy to use. There are many types of printers including dot matrix receipt printers, thermal receipt printers, and inkjet receipt printers. Credit card processing terminals are available with integrated fast thermal printer with automatic feeding system. Some of them have four users programmable function soft keys which help better interaction and built-in fast printer.
Credit card processing terminals are compact machines. Accessories such as integrated smart card readers, plug-in battery charger, and power cords are essential components. For virtual credit card terminals, phone or fax, software, computer, and internet connections are necessary. A credit card processing terminal that has a PIN pad can accept debit cards. Card reader cleaners and surge protectors are other credit card processing accessories. Printer paper, ribbons and ink cartridges, mounts and stackers, manual imprinters and imprinter slips, power packs, and cables are also indispensable credit card processing accessories.
There are a number of manufacturers who provide credit card processing accessories. They supply customers various quality solutions to suit their growing needs. Most of them are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of years from the date of shipment. [http://www.e-CreditCardTerminals.com]Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with [http://www.i-CreditCardProcessing.com]Credit Card Processing Software.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Processing-Accessories&id=353176
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton]Kent Pinkerton
Credit card processing accessories include a magnetic stripe reader, a keypad to enter prices and other information, and a small display. The printer can be either built-in or a separate unit. Traditional credit card terminals have different types of displays. Larger displays allow you see more information at once. Displays are usually measured in lines and columns. An 8 x 20 display has 8 lines of text in 20 columns. Backlit display is a standard feature in most new terminals. It lets you to see the terminal even in low light.
Keypads vary in size and number of keys. Larger keypads are very easy to use. There are many types of printers including dot matrix receipt printers, thermal receipt printers, and inkjet receipt printers. Credit card processing terminals are available with integrated fast thermal printer with automatic feeding system. Some of them have four users programmable function soft keys which help better interaction and built-in fast printer.
Credit card processing terminals are compact machines. Accessories such as integrated smart card readers, plug-in battery charger, and power cords are essential components. For virtual credit card terminals, phone or fax, software, computer, and internet connections are necessary. A credit card processing terminal that has a PIN pad can accept debit cards. Card reader cleaners and surge protectors are other credit card processing accessories. Printer paper, ribbons and ink cartridges, mounts and stackers, manual imprinters and imprinter slips, power packs, and cables are also indispensable credit card processing accessories.
There are a number of manufacturers who provide credit card processing accessories. They supply customers various quality solutions to suit their growing needs. Most of them are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of years from the date of shipment. [http://www.e-CreditCardTerminals.com]Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with [http://www.i-CreditCardProcessing.com]Credit Card Processing Software.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Processing-Accessories&id=353176
Monday, July 9, 2007
Credit Card Machines
The Cost of Leasing a Credit Card Machine
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Estep]Jamie Estep
Leasing credit card machines and equipment is a common practice for many new business owners. When a business starts out, they are often met with a barrage of telemarketers and companies offering to help them to accept credit cards. Because of the new business owner's extremely busy schedule and lack of knowledge regarding the credit card processing industry, owners are often convinced that leasing a credit card terminal is the best solution for their business.
In reality, leasing a credit card machine is far from the best interest. For most businesses, a simple swipe and print credit card machine is a perfectly acceptable method of accepting credit cards. What many new business owners fail to do, is investigate the actual price of a new credit card machine. What they would find is that the outright purchase of a credit card terminal is often a completely reasonably priced purchase, and usually is many times less costly than a lease. What would cost them two to three hundred dollars to own, can cost them thousands of dollars to lease. Money is very tight, especially during the startup phase of a business, and the extra money spent on leasing a credit card machine is most definitely better suited elsewhere.
Leasing credit card equipment became a standard in the eighties and early nineties, when the lack of consumer knowledge and a growing processing industry led to the portrayal of high priced processing equipment. During this time fifty dollar per month leases were not uncommon. Since the creation of the internet, consumers have access to a vast amount of information. Processing companies can no longer easily inflate the costs of processing equipment. Now, new business owners are virtually the only group susceptible to getting scammed into a lease. This is due mainly to time constraints and a lack of research on their part.
Leases do still play a role in obtaining credit card equipment, but should only be considered when the required equipment is very high priced. Wireless terminals, while becoming more affordable, can still be a considerable investment. Wireless terminals can still cost over a thousand dollars to purchase which is definitely a significant amount of money. Leasing a wireless terminal can alleviate some of this cost, but business owners should still be aware that they will pay more than the cost of the terminal in the end.
Leases also often come with strings attached, or more appropriately a web of strings attached. Lease commonly last for thirty six to forty eight months, but can be in any increment from twelve months up to forty eight. The shorter the lease, the higher the monthly payment. Leases are also normally non cancel-able for the duration of the lease. There may be considerable penalties for canceling a lease before its term is up. Leases are not always for ownership of the equipment, and hefty buyout fees can occur at the end of the lease. Some leases start over at the end of their term, and the business only has a short window to opt out of the lease. Businesses should be aware of the terms governing the lease before they even contemplate signing it. Signing a lease without fully understanding what is involved in it and fully calculating the cost of the lease can be an extremely expensive mistake.
Enter your lease information into the lease [http://www.merchantaccountblog.com/tools/credit-card-equipment-lease-calculator/]cost calculator to find out how much extra leasing will cost you compared to purchasing.
Copyright 2006 Jamie Estep, The Merchant Account Blog.
Jamie Estep runs the website: ( [http://www.merchantaccountblog.com]The Merchant Account Blog) and offers information and advice on topics relating to credit card processing. The Merchant Account Blog also has a lease cost calculator where businesses can compare the costs of an equipment lease to purchasing a terminal outright. ( [http://www.merchantaccountblog.com/tools/credit-card-equipment-lease-calculator/]Credit Card Terminal Lease Calculator)
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Estep http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Cost-of-Leasing-a-Credit-Card-Machine&id=190057
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Estep]Jamie Estep
Leasing credit card machines and equipment is a common practice for many new business owners. When a business starts out, they are often met with a barrage of telemarketers and companies offering to help them to accept credit cards. Because of the new business owner's extremely busy schedule and lack of knowledge regarding the credit card processing industry, owners are often convinced that leasing a credit card terminal is the best solution for their business.
In reality, leasing a credit card machine is far from the best interest. For most businesses, a simple swipe and print credit card machine is a perfectly acceptable method of accepting credit cards. What many new business owners fail to do, is investigate the actual price of a new credit card machine. What they would find is that the outright purchase of a credit card terminal is often a completely reasonably priced purchase, and usually is many times less costly than a lease. What would cost them two to three hundred dollars to own, can cost them thousands of dollars to lease. Money is very tight, especially during the startup phase of a business, and the extra money spent on leasing a credit card machine is most definitely better suited elsewhere.
Leasing credit card equipment became a standard in the eighties and early nineties, when the lack of consumer knowledge and a growing processing industry led to the portrayal of high priced processing equipment. During this time fifty dollar per month leases were not uncommon. Since the creation of the internet, consumers have access to a vast amount of information. Processing companies can no longer easily inflate the costs of processing equipment. Now, new business owners are virtually the only group susceptible to getting scammed into a lease. This is due mainly to time constraints and a lack of research on their part.
Leases do still play a role in obtaining credit card equipment, but should only be considered when the required equipment is very high priced. Wireless terminals, while becoming more affordable, can still be a considerable investment. Wireless terminals can still cost over a thousand dollars to purchase which is definitely a significant amount of money. Leasing a wireless terminal can alleviate some of this cost, but business owners should still be aware that they will pay more than the cost of the terminal in the end.
Leases also often come with strings attached, or more appropriately a web of strings attached. Lease commonly last for thirty six to forty eight months, but can be in any increment from twelve months up to forty eight. The shorter the lease, the higher the monthly payment. Leases are also normally non cancel-able for the duration of the lease. There may be considerable penalties for canceling a lease before its term is up. Leases are not always for ownership of the equipment, and hefty buyout fees can occur at the end of the lease. Some leases start over at the end of their term, and the business only has a short window to opt out of the lease. Businesses should be aware of the terms governing the lease before they even contemplate signing it. Signing a lease without fully understanding what is involved in it and fully calculating the cost of the lease can be an extremely expensive mistake.
Enter your lease information into the lease [http://www.merchantaccountblog.com/tools/credit-card-equipment-lease-calculator/]cost calculator to find out how much extra leasing will cost you compared to purchasing.
Copyright 2006 Jamie Estep, The Merchant Account Blog.
Jamie Estep runs the website: ( [http://www.merchantaccountblog.com]The Merchant Account Blog) and offers information and advice on topics relating to credit card processing. The Merchant Account Blog also has a lease cost calculator where businesses can compare the costs of an equipment lease to purchasing a terminal outright. ( [http://www.merchantaccountblog.com/tools/credit-card-equipment-lease-calculator/]Credit Card Terminal Lease Calculator)
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Estep http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Cost-of-Leasing-a-Credit-Card-Machine&id=190057
Friday, July 6, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
Credit Card Processing Software
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva]Thomas Morva
Nowadays, businesses, especially those that sell products and services online, should ensure that they are able to accept credit card payments from their customers. This is because given that most people are now very comfortable in using their credit card to pay for online purchases, businesses that do not accept credit card payments risk losing sales. The good news is that for businesses that wish to accept credits card payments; the tools that they need to do so are readily available from various sources, which includes merchant account providers, which play a major role in credit card payment processing. However, an Internet merchant account is not the only tool that online businesses need to be able to accept credit card payments, as there are also other equally important tools involved in credit card payment processing.
Software for credit card payment processing
Apart from Internet merchant accounts, there are other equally important tools that business owners use to help them accept credit card payments on their websites. Examples of these include software that helps in accepting and processing credit card payments. Some of the most commonly used software include IC Verify, PCAuthorize, and MacAuthorize, which are required in processing credit card payments. Another type of software that business owners could install on their website is the software that provides their customers with a shopping cart option, which allows them to keep track of their purchases that they have made so far. One of the most commonly used shopping cart software is Kickstart Cart, which is considered as one of the most convenient shopping cart software in the market today.
However, when installing shopping cart options on their websites, business owners should try as much as possible to use software that are very easy to use and which do not require many steps to use. This is because customers tend to get annoyed with shopping carts that requires too many steps to use and they may opt to go to other websites instead.
Apart from setting up an Internet merchant account, business owners also need to use other equally important tools that can help them accept credit card payment through their websites. Some of these include software that allows their customers to make purchases online. However, in picking the software that they would install on their websites, business owners need to make sure that the software they use are very user-friendly, as this can help them make the process of making online purchases more convenient for their customers. [http://www.i-CreditCardProcessing.com]Credit Card Processing provides detailed information on Credit Card Processing, Online Credit Card Processing, Credit Card Processing Software, Wireless Credit Card Processing and more. Credit Card Processing is affiliated with [http://www.e-CreditCardTerminals.com]Wireless Credit Card Terminals.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Processing-Software&id=255747
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva]Thomas Morva
Nowadays, businesses, especially those that sell products and services online, should ensure that they are able to accept credit card payments from their customers. This is because given that most people are now very comfortable in using their credit card to pay for online purchases, businesses that do not accept credit card payments risk losing sales. The good news is that for businesses that wish to accept credits card payments; the tools that they need to do so are readily available from various sources, which includes merchant account providers, which play a major role in credit card payment processing. However, an Internet merchant account is not the only tool that online businesses need to be able to accept credit card payments, as there are also other equally important tools involved in credit card payment processing.
Software for credit card payment processing
Apart from Internet merchant accounts, there are other equally important tools that business owners use to help them accept credit card payments on their websites. Examples of these include software that helps in accepting and processing credit card payments. Some of the most commonly used software include IC Verify, PCAuthorize, and MacAuthorize, which are required in processing credit card payments. Another type of software that business owners could install on their website is the software that provides their customers with a shopping cart option, which allows them to keep track of their purchases that they have made so far. One of the most commonly used shopping cart software is Kickstart Cart, which is considered as one of the most convenient shopping cart software in the market today.
However, when installing shopping cart options on their websites, business owners should try as much as possible to use software that are very easy to use and which do not require many steps to use. This is because customers tend to get annoyed with shopping carts that requires too many steps to use and they may opt to go to other websites instead.
Apart from setting up an Internet merchant account, business owners also need to use other equally important tools that can help them accept credit card payment through their websites. Some of these include software that allows their customers to make purchases online. However, in picking the software that they would install on their websites, business owners need to make sure that the software they use are very user-friendly, as this can help them make the process of making online purchases more convenient for their customers. [http://www.i-CreditCardProcessing.com]Credit Card Processing provides detailed information on Credit Card Processing, Online Credit Card Processing, Credit Card Processing Software, Wireless Credit Card Processing and more. Credit Card Processing is affiliated with [http://www.e-CreditCardTerminals.com]Wireless Credit Card Terminals.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Processing-Software&id=255747
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
Internet Merchant Accounts
By Marcus Peterson
An Internet merchant account permits merchants to accept payment for their services over the Internet. Once a merchant has decided to accept credit cards over the Internet, he must obtain a payment gateway or a virtual terminal, and a bank or a processor, to process the credit card transactions.
A payment gateway is a safe Internet bridge between the credit card processing networks and the merchant's website. The merchant can carry out online credit card transactions or other payment processing methods (for example, electronic checks) through the payment gateway.
There are a couple of ways for a website owner to carry out online credit card processing or some other alternative payment processing. The virtual terminal facilitates manual authorization and processing of credit cards, as well as the checking of payment transactions, from any computer. Here, an Internet connection is essential. The virtual terminal is a substitute for a standard authorization terminal, and allows a business owner to process transactions without the need for a check or a credit card to be present. All the business owner requires is the basic information from the check, credit card and the consumer to store the data on a computer with an Internet connection.
WebLink is another alternative. This permits Internet-based businesses to approve and process transactions without the need to enter consumer and credit card information. When a customer is ready to purchase products or other services from the web site, he gives the necessary information. The function of WebLink is to capture the information (which includes name, credit card number, etc.) from the website's secure transaction page. When the authorization is complete, the customer gets a reply, either an approval or a decline, within seconds. The business owner is also informed of the same. Transactions are routinely settled each day and funded within a few days to the business owner's bank account.
Merchant Accounts provides detailed information on Merchant Accounts, Credit Card Merchant Accounts, Internet Merchant Accounts, About High Risk Merchant Accounts and more. Merchant Accounts is affiliated with Internet Merchant Services.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Internet-Merchant-Accounts&id=251490
An Internet merchant account permits merchants to accept payment for their services over the Internet. Once a merchant has decided to accept credit cards over the Internet, he must obtain a payment gateway or a virtual terminal, and a bank or a processor, to process the credit card transactions.
By Marcus Peterson
An Internet merchant account permits merchants to accept payment for their services over the Internet. Once a merchant has decided to accept credit cards over the Internet, he must obtain a payment gateway or a virtual terminal, and a bank or a processor, to process the credit card transactions.
A payment gateway is a safe Internet bridge between the credit card processing networks and the merchant's website. The merchant can carry out online credit card transactions or other payment processing methods (for example, electronic checks) through the payment gateway.
There are a couple of ways for a website owner to carry out online credit card processing or some other alternative payment processing. The virtual terminal facilitates manual authorization and processing of credit cards, as well as the checking of payment transactions, from any computer. Here, an Internet connection is essential. The virtual terminal is a substitute for a standard authorization terminal, and allows a business owner to process transactions without the need for a check or a credit card to be present. All the business owner requires is the basic information from the check, credit card and the consumer to store the data on a computer with an Internet connection.
WebLink is another alternative. This permits Internet-based businesses to approve and process transactions without the need to enter consumer and credit card information. When a customer is ready to purchase products or other services from the web site, he gives the necessary information. The function of WebLink is to capture the information (which includes name, credit card number, etc.) from the website's secure transaction page. When the authorization is complete, the customer gets a reply, either an approval or a decline, within seconds. The business owner is also informed of the same. Transactions are routinely settled each day and funded within a few days to the business owner's bank account.
Merchant Accounts provides detailed information on Merchant Accounts, Credit Card Merchant Accounts, Internet Merchant Accounts, About High Risk Merchant Accounts and more. Merchant Accounts is affiliated with Internet Merchant Services.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcus_Peterson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Internet-Merchant-Accounts&id=251490
An Internet merchant account permits merchants to accept payment for their services over the Internet. Once a merchant has decided to accept credit cards over the Internet, he must obtain a payment gateway or a virtual terminal, and a bank or a processor, to process the credit card transactions.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Credit Card machines 802 Web
How to Maintain Credit Card Terminals
By Jeremy Maddock
Buying credit card processing terminals for a retail business can be a substantial investment, costing several thousand dollars or more in many cases. When you invest this much money in this rather essential equipment, it is quite natural to want to properly maintain the equipment and extend its useful life for as long as possible.
One of the best ways to prevent your credit card terminals from breaking down prematurely is to clean them periodically.
The presence of dust, crumbs, and paper lint can cause built-in printers and stripe readers to become clogged making card reading devices difficult or impossible to use properly. A simple $2 investment in a can of compressed air, however, can help you quickly and easily clean your terminals, helping them last for up to five years without missing a beat.
When you buy new equipment of any kind for your business it is essential that you stay in the habit of maintaining it, and remind your employees to do the same.
Another, perhaps less obvious way to ensure the longevity of your card reading equipment is to buy a terminals that use integrated flash memory to store the software that runs them. Flash memory makes it easy to download and install system updates, preventing software advances and security vulnerabilities from rendering your devices obsolete.
About the Author:
Jeremy Maddock is a successful web-based freelancer, who writes articles about business financial products and other corporate products.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Maddock
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Maintain-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=297856
By Jeremy Maddock
Buying credit card processing terminals for a retail business can be a substantial investment, costing several thousand dollars or more in many cases. When you invest this much money in this rather essential equipment, it is quite natural to want to properly maintain the equipment and extend its useful life for as long as possible.
One of the best ways to prevent your credit card terminals from breaking down prematurely is to clean them periodically.
The presence of dust, crumbs, and paper lint can cause built-in printers and stripe readers to become clogged making card reading devices difficult or impossible to use properly. A simple $2 investment in a can of compressed air, however, can help you quickly and easily clean your terminals, helping them last for up to five years without missing a beat.
When you buy new equipment of any kind for your business it is essential that you stay in the habit of maintaining it, and remind your employees to do the same.
Another, perhaps less obvious way to ensure the longevity of your card reading equipment is to buy a terminals that use integrated flash memory to store the software that runs them. Flash memory makes it easy to download and install system updates, preventing software advances and security vulnerabilities from rendering your devices obsolete.
About the Author:
Jeremy Maddock is a successful web-based freelancer, who writes articles about business financial products and other corporate products.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Maddock
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Maintain-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=297856
Monday, May 14, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
Merchant Credit Card Terminals
By Kent Pinkerton
Merchant credit card terminals are electronic devices offering fast, low-cost means to authorize and process credit card transactions. They are very commonly used in retail stores and restaurants. Most merchant credit card terminals accept all major credit, debit, and private-label cards offering low-cost credit card authorization, check guarantee, and data capture for a range of retail applications.
A terminal to process credit cards is a great investment to your business. Most merchant credit card terminals support Internet-based services such as e-mail, electronic signature, interactive electronic coupons, onscreen advertising, cash management reporting, and e-commerce. They make transactions more convenient, faster, and accurate for both customers and merchants.
At first, merchant credit card processing terminals verify your customer's card information. Then they withdraw money for the purchase from the customer?s account and deposit it directly into your merchant account. The most important units of merchant credit card terminals are card readers with a small keypad and display. They require power supply and can communicate through a telephone line. Modern terminals are powered by batteries and can communicate wireless or over the Internet. They come in several sizes and prices.
There are many types of merchant credit card terminals: traditional terminals (with or without printers), wireless terminals, and virtual or software-based terminals. Merchants with a permanent place of business need a basic card reader terminal. In this case, the terminal is placed right on the counter where all transactions take place. For businesses that constantly change locations, a wireless credit card processing terminal is a good choice. It is suitable for merchants who are always on the go.
Millions of merchant credit card terminals ship annually and the majority have the same basic functions and features. It can only be used in combination with a merchant account that processes credit card transactions. Businesses already using credit card terminals need to buy extra equipments to maintain additional services such as debit card transactions and issuing and accepting gift cards. A number of terminals also support additional forms of payment such as electronic bank transfers and phone cards.
Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with Credit Card Processing Software.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Merchant-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=353177
By Kent Pinkerton
Merchant credit card terminals are electronic devices offering fast, low-cost means to authorize and process credit card transactions. They are very commonly used in retail stores and restaurants. Most merchant credit card terminals accept all major credit, debit, and private-label cards offering low-cost credit card authorization, check guarantee, and data capture for a range of retail applications.
A terminal to process credit cards is a great investment to your business. Most merchant credit card terminals support Internet-based services such as e-mail, electronic signature, interactive electronic coupons, onscreen advertising, cash management reporting, and e-commerce. They make transactions more convenient, faster, and accurate for both customers and merchants.
At first, merchant credit card processing terminals verify your customer's card information. Then they withdraw money for the purchase from the customer?s account and deposit it directly into your merchant account. The most important units of merchant credit card terminals are card readers with a small keypad and display. They require power supply and can communicate through a telephone line. Modern terminals are powered by batteries and can communicate wireless or over the Internet. They come in several sizes and prices.
There are many types of merchant credit card terminals: traditional terminals (with or without printers), wireless terminals, and virtual or software-based terminals. Merchants with a permanent place of business need a basic card reader terminal. In this case, the terminal is placed right on the counter where all transactions take place. For businesses that constantly change locations, a wireless credit card processing terminal is a good choice. It is suitable for merchants who are always on the go.
Millions of merchant credit card terminals ship annually and the majority have the same basic functions and features. It can only be used in combination with a merchant account that processes credit card transactions. Businesses already using credit card terminals need to buy extra equipments to maintain additional services such as debit card transactions and issuing and accepting gift cards. A number of terminals also support additional forms of payment such as electronic bank transfers and phone cards.
Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with Credit Card Processing Software.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Merchant-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=353177
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
Get Credit Card Processing for Your Internet Business
By Jeremy Zongker
One of the best features of owning an online-based business is the amount of money you save on start up costs, and ongoing overhead in comparison to businesses with physical locations. Not only do you not have to pay high rental or mortgage payments for the space, but you save on utilities, business insurance, and even credit card processing accounts!
As an Internet business, you almost have a requirement to accept credit card payments for your products or services. Have you ever been to a website that doesn’t accept credit cards as payment? Consider how you would feel if you wanted to purchase something online but you couldn’t enter your payment details in the site- would you take the time to write a check, put it in an envelope and mail to the company or would you just find the next website offering the same products that DOES accept credit cards? Web sites that accept credit card payments have sales that are 50-400% higher than web sites that do not accept credit payments. It is so easy to get set up to accept credit card payments that there really is no excuse for an Internet business not to accept them!
As a web business, you have a choice. You can apply for a traditional merchant account at any of the local banks and hope to get accepted (and likely pay a set up fee and sometimes an ongoing monthly fee for having the service), or you can use one of the numerous card processing companies that operate online and are geared toward online businesses just like yours. Many of the card processing providers you can use online allow you to set up your website for accepting credit cards with no set up fees!
Merchants Providing Credit Card Processing
When you are just starting out as an online business, or you are a small business- you are probably not going to want any credit card processing provider that requires you process a minimum number of transactions each month. It is hard to predict what your minimum will be for a new business, and it might be better to pay a slightly higher per-transaction fee than to pay a higher monthly fee in exchange for a lower per-transaction fee based on a minimum number of cards processed each month.
Paynet Systems: Offers a variety of merchant accounts, with a few focused on Internet based businesses. You can get your account set up to accept credit card payments (ATM, and Debit also) for no set up fee. You pay a small monthly fee for the account ($8-10) and fees per transaction processed.
Merchant Express: Offers a merchant account for Internet businesses that can accept credit card payments in real-time. Your account with Merchant Express will also give you access to a free “virtual terminal”, which will allow you to accept credit card payments by phone or mail as well as online.
Charge.com: Similar to Merchant Express in that it provides both a real time processor for web site orders, and a virtual terminal in case your customers provide their payment information via telephone, fax or mail. The software will automatically send you an email to help you fill the customer’s order once the card has been successfully processed.
There are many other providers that allow internet merchant account providers that can set your internet business up with the ability to accept credit card payments at no set up fee. Researching each company before signing up will help you compare the features and make sure you sign with a company that can provide you with the necessary options for your business and at the lowest fees.
This article has been provided by Creditor Web. Creditor Web has the articles and other credit card processing resources to help you choose the right provider.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Zongker
http://EzineArticles.com/?Get-Credit-Card-Processing-for-Your-Internet-Business&id=450368
One of the best features of owning an online-based business is the amount of money you save on start up costs, and ongoing overhead in comparison to businesses with physical locations. Not only do you not have to pay high rental or mortgage payments for the space, but you save on utilities, business insurance, and even credit card processing accounts!
By Jeremy Zongker
One of the best features of owning an online-based business is the amount of money you save on start up costs, and ongoing overhead in comparison to businesses with physical locations. Not only do you not have to pay high rental or mortgage payments for the space, but you save on utilities, business insurance, and even credit card processing accounts!
As an Internet business, you almost have a requirement to accept credit card payments for your products or services. Have you ever been to a website that doesn’t accept credit cards as payment? Consider how you would feel if you wanted to purchase something online but you couldn’t enter your payment details in the site- would you take the time to write a check, put it in an envelope and mail to the company or would you just find the next website offering the same products that DOES accept credit cards? Web sites that accept credit card payments have sales that are 50-400% higher than web sites that do not accept credit payments. It is so easy to get set up to accept credit card payments that there really is no excuse for an Internet business not to accept them!
As a web business, you have a choice. You can apply for a traditional merchant account at any of the local banks and hope to get accepted (and likely pay a set up fee and sometimes an ongoing monthly fee for having the service), or you can use one of the numerous card processing companies that operate online and are geared toward online businesses just like yours. Many of the card processing providers you can use online allow you to set up your website for accepting credit cards with no set up fees!
Merchants Providing Credit Card Processing
When you are just starting out as an online business, or you are a small business- you are probably not going to want any credit card processing provider that requires you process a minimum number of transactions each month. It is hard to predict what your minimum will be for a new business, and it might be better to pay a slightly higher per-transaction fee than to pay a higher monthly fee in exchange for a lower per-transaction fee based on a minimum number of cards processed each month.
Paynet Systems: Offers a variety of merchant accounts, with a few focused on Internet based businesses. You can get your account set up to accept credit card payments (ATM, and Debit also) for no set up fee. You pay a small monthly fee for the account ($8-10) and fees per transaction processed.
Merchant Express: Offers a merchant account for Internet businesses that can accept credit card payments in real-time. Your account with Merchant Express will also give you access to a free “virtual terminal”, which will allow you to accept credit card payments by phone or mail as well as online.
Charge.com: Similar to Merchant Express in that it provides both a real time processor for web site orders, and a virtual terminal in case your customers provide their payment information via telephone, fax or mail. The software will automatically send you an email to help you fill the customer’s order once the card has been successfully processed.
There are many other providers that allow internet merchant account providers that can set your internet business up with the ability to accept credit card payments at no set up fee. Researching each company before signing up will help you compare the features and make sure you sign with a company that can provide you with the necessary options for your business and at the lowest fees.
This article has been provided by Creditor Web. Creditor Web has the articles and other credit card processing resources to help you choose the right provider.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Zongker
http://EzineArticles.com/?Get-Credit-Card-Processing-for-Your-Internet-Business&id=450368
One of the best features of owning an online-based business is the amount of money you save on start up costs, and ongoing overhead in comparison to businesses with physical locations. Not only do you not have to pay high rental or mortgage payments for the space, but you save on utilities, business insurance, and even credit card processing accounts!
Friday, May 11, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
Types of Telecom Products
By John Hampton
Welcome to the Internet Revolution, the Age of Technology, and the Era of Telecommunications. Telecommunications (tele-translated from the Greek to mean “distant” and Latin communicare- to participate) is defined as the transmission of information over a line of communication, like that of a telephone, which is carried over a long distance. It may or may not use a modem. The information may be communicated through voice, text, images, or even video via any product that will work, like a fax machine. Any product that enables telecommunication is classified as a Telecom Product.
Since Alexander Graham Bell invented his “electrical speech machine” (now known as the telephone) back in 1876, the telecommunications industry has evolved to include a wide array of products for both business and personal use. Below you will find several different types of telecom products and brief explanations of their different usage.
We’ll begin our mission with the originator- the telephone. Since it’s invention, the device has gotten smaller, portable, and even wireless. Accessories such as answering machines can attach to your phone or phone line for friends, family and/or clients and customers to leave you an important message when you’re unavailable to take a call. All-in-one answering machine/telephone contraptions have gained substantial popularity in recent years as the price dropped with the advancement of technology. Multi-line telephones for busy offices are also becoming more affordable for those who didn’t have the extra funding for such a telecommunications device.
Facsimile machines, also known as “fax” machines for short, take text or images from a piece of paper and transfer the data to another fax machine anywhere in the world via telephone lines. Much like the recent popularity of answering machine/telephone combinations and other telecommunication devices, technology has advanced to bring the price and size down and the convenience of all-in-one equipment for the average consumer. Phone/fax/copy/printer combinations are in a growing number of households across the country and around the globe.
If you have your own business that requires a combination of telecom products, it might be in your best interest to invest in a Voice/Data Line Sharing Device. This port-switching mechanism will allow you to run telephones, fax machines, modems, answering machines, climate control, security monitoring, credit card terminals and poll cash registers without needing a separate line for each.
Finally two-way radios, commonly referred to as “Walkie-Talkies”, are yet another device that falls into the category of telecom products. And yes, just like all of the other products we’ve covered, the price and size have dropped while the technology expanded. In fact, there are two-way radios that can communicate with each other from as far away as 6 miles depending on the area and terrain. Multiple units that run on the same frequency work quite well for large fleets after they are cloned for synchronization. LCD screens make for some easy programming by all.
John Hampton recommends that you visit http://www.sjtelecommunications.com/ for more information on Telecom Products.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Hampton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Types-of-Telecom-Products&id=398755
Welcome to the Internet Revolution, the Age of Technology, and the Era of Telecommunications. Telecommunications (tele - translated from the Greek to mean "distant" and Latin communicare - to participate).
By John Hampton
Welcome to the Internet Revolution, the Age of Technology, and the Era of Telecommunications. Telecommunications (tele-translated from the Greek to mean “distant” and Latin communicare- to participate) is defined as the transmission of information over a line of communication, like that of a telephone, which is carried over a long distance. It may or may not use a modem. The information may be communicated through voice, text, images, or even video via any product that will work, like a fax machine. Any product that enables telecommunication is classified as a Telecom Product.
Since Alexander Graham Bell invented his “electrical speech machine” (now known as the telephone) back in 1876, the telecommunications industry has evolved to include a wide array of products for both business and personal use. Below you will find several different types of telecom products and brief explanations of their different usage.
We’ll begin our mission with the originator- the telephone. Since it’s invention, the device has gotten smaller, portable, and even wireless. Accessories such as answering machines can attach to your phone or phone line for friends, family and/or clients and customers to leave you an important message when you’re unavailable to take a call. All-in-one answering machine/telephone contraptions have gained substantial popularity in recent years as the price dropped with the advancement of technology. Multi-line telephones for busy offices are also becoming more affordable for those who didn’t have the extra funding for such a telecommunications device.
Facsimile machines, also known as “fax” machines for short, take text or images from a piece of paper and transfer the data to another fax machine anywhere in the world via telephone lines. Much like the recent popularity of answering machine/telephone combinations and other telecommunication devices, technology has advanced to bring the price and size down and the convenience of all-in-one equipment for the average consumer. Phone/fax/copy/printer combinations are in a growing number of households across the country and around the globe.
If you have your own business that requires a combination of telecom products, it might be in your best interest to invest in a Voice/Data Line Sharing Device. This port-switching mechanism will allow you to run telephones, fax machines, modems, answering machines, climate control, security monitoring, credit card terminals and poll cash registers without needing a separate line for each.
Finally two-way radios, commonly referred to as “Walkie-Talkies”, are yet another device that falls into the category of telecom products. And yes, just like all of the other products we’ve covered, the price and size have dropped while the technology expanded. In fact, there are two-way radios that can communicate with each other from as far away as 6 miles depending on the area and terrain. Multiple units that run on the same frequency work quite well for large fleets after they are cloned for synchronization. LCD screens make for some easy programming by all.
John Hampton recommends that you visit http://www.sjtelecommunications.com/ for more information on Telecom Products.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Hampton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Types-of-Telecom-Products&id=398755
Welcome to the Internet Revolution, the Age of Technology, and the Era of Telecommunications. Telecommunications (tele - translated from the Greek to mean "distant" and Latin communicare - to participate).
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
Credit Card Processing
By Thomas Morva
Nowadays, almost all establishments accept credit card payments. This is because many consumers make their purchases using their credit cards, and establishments who do not accept credit card payments risks losing potential sales. Given this, it is then essential for any company that intends to sell products in the market to make sure that their stores can accept credit payments. There’s good news, though! Today, accepting credit cards is usually a fairly easy process because companies can gain access to the tools that they need to be able to process credit card payments from a number of sources.
Setting up a merchant account
The first step in accepting credit cards is setting up a merchant account. This will involve locating the right merchant account provider or credit card processor. Many businesses do this through the banks where they do their business banking. However, not all banks provide credit card processing services.
A good source of information is any trade associations that a business belongs to, which may have negotiated rates with a certain credit card processor that the business could contact. Another good source of leads is from other businesses that already accept credit card payments. On the other hand, given that most processors aggressively pursue clients especially start up companies, it is most likely that these processors will contact new business owners and offer them their services.
In deciding on which credit card processor to use, it is a good idea to employ canvassing strategies, which includes interviewing each credit processor and asking them questions that can help business owners pick the right processor. Some of these questions include asking them about their fees, their rates, and other services that they provide their clients. After which, business owners then should analyze which processor can give them the best deal for the credit card processing services that they are offering.
Nowadays, no business establishment should be without credit card processing capabilities. This is because given that most people make many of their purchases using their credit cards, establishments that do not accept credit card payments risk losing a significant number of sales. The good news is that today, the tools that businesses need to be able to accept credit card payments, which includes merchant accounts, are easily accessible, as there are a large number of companies that provide credit card processing services.
Credit Card Processing provides detailed information on Credit Card Processing, Online Credit Card Processing, Credit Card Processing Software, Wireless Credit Card Processing and more. Credit Card Processing is affiliated with Wireless Credit Card Terminals.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva
http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Processing&id=255743
Nowadays, almost all establishments accept credit card payments. This is because many consumers make their purchases using their credit cards, and establishments who do not accept credit card payments risks losing potential sales. Given this, it is then essential for any company that intends to sell products in the market to make sure that their stores can accept credit payments. There’s good news, though! Today, accepting credit cards is usually a fairly easy process because companies can gain access to the tools that they need to be able to process credit card payments from a number of sources.
By Thomas Morva
Nowadays, almost all establishments accept credit card payments. This is because many consumers make their purchases using their credit cards, and establishments who do not accept credit card payments risks losing potential sales. Given this, it is then essential for any company that intends to sell products in the market to make sure that their stores can accept credit payments. There’s good news, though! Today, accepting credit cards is usually a fairly easy process because companies can gain access to the tools that they need to be able to process credit card payments from a number of sources.
Setting up a merchant account
The first step in accepting credit cards is setting up a merchant account. This will involve locating the right merchant account provider or credit card processor. Many businesses do this through the banks where they do their business banking. However, not all banks provide credit card processing services.
A good source of information is any trade associations that a business belongs to, which may have negotiated rates with a certain credit card processor that the business could contact. Another good source of leads is from other businesses that already accept credit card payments. On the other hand, given that most processors aggressively pursue clients especially start up companies, it is most likely that these processors will contact new business owners and offer them their services.
In deciding on which credit card processor to use, it is a good idea to employ canvassing strategies, which includes interviewing each credit processor and asking them questions that can help business owners pick the right processor. Some of these questions include asking them about their fees, their rates, and other services that they provide their clients. After which, business owners then should analyze which processor can give them the best deal for the credit card processing services that they are offering.
Nowadays, no business establishment should be without credit card processing capabilities. This is because given that most people make many of their purchases using their credit cards, establishments that do not accept credit card payments risk losing a significant number of sales. The good news is that today, the tools that businesses need to be able to accept credit card payments, which includes merchant accounts, are easily accessible, as there are a large number of companies that provide credit card processing services.
Credit Card Processing provides detailed information on Credit Card Processing, Online Credit Card Processing, Credit Card Processing Software, Wireless Credit Card Processing and more. Credit Card Processing is affiliated with Wireless Credit Card Terminals.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva
http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Processing&id=255743
Nowadays, almost all establishments accept credit card payments. This is because many consumers make their purchases using their credit cards, and establishments who do not accept credit card payments risks losing potential sales. Given this, it is then essential for any company that intends to sell products in the market to make sure that their stores can accept credit payments. There’s good news, though! Today, accepting credit cards is usually a fairly easy process because companies can gain access to the tools that they need to be able to process credit card payments from a number of sources.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
Credit Card FAQ - Credit Card Security and Authentication
By Joseph Kenny
With the ever rising reports of credit card fraud, fraudulent use, internet phishing and identity theft, people are rightly concerned about credit card security. Fraudulent credit card use can be an annoyance at best, and seriously damage your credit at worst. It's only reasonable that people have questions about credit card security and authentication methods. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about credit card security.
1. How does the ATM or store terminal know my PIN number?
PIN (personal identification numbers) are the most often used way to authenticate your identity when you use your credit or ATM card. When you first choose your PIN number, it is 'encrypted' - stored in a secret code of letters and symbols - and either stored in a database or on the magnetic stripe on the back of your card.
2. If my PIN number is stored in a database, doesn't that mean that bank or credit card employees have access to it?
The encryption method that's used by ATM and credit cards is called 'one-way encryption'. It makes it easy for the bank's computer to verify the PIN given the bank's key and the PIN, but nearly impossible to extract the PIN in text form from the encrypted database.
3. How does the machine 'read' my card?
The stripe on the back of your credit or ATM card is called a magnetic stripe. It's actually made up of thousands of tiny magnetic iron-based particles. The card can be 'written to' much the same way that the hard drive on your computer can be written - by means of magnetic interaction changing the charge. Written into the stripe are your account number and identifying data. When you swipe the card, that information is read and sent via modem to an 'acquirer' - a company that 'acquires' a payment guarantee from the credit card company based on the information stored on your card's magnetic stripe.
4. Isn't buying on the internet dangerous and insecure?
Honestly? Your credit card information is in less danger being transmitted over the internet than it is when you hand your card to a store clerk at the counter. The real danger to your credit card information isn't from hackers hitting online merchants, or stealing your credit card information via modem or phone lines. The real internet security dangers come from two different directions:
a. Hackers using back doors to get into the records of banks, credit card companies and data repositories.
This is the biggest danger. It's also a danger for stores and companies that have records 'online' for billing purposes. There's a great deal being done to improve security of data repositories, which are far more vulnerable than any data transmission stream.
b. The second big credit card security danger is the practice that's sometimes called 'phishing'.
In this case, the credit card thieves trick you into giving them your identification and credit card data. They may do this with an email purporting to be from an official of your internet service provider or email, your credit card issuer or anyone else. They also may build sites that are identical to sites like Paypal, American Express and others for the express purpose of capturing your information so that they can use it.
5. How do I protect myself from phishers?
First, never provide your social security number or other identifying data to anyone without first verifying that they are exactly who they say they are. Experts recommend that you never use the link provided in an email to go to the site of someone you do business with. Instead, open a new browser window and type in the known address by hand
You may freely reprint this article provided that the author bio and live links are left intact.
Joseph Kenny writes for the credit card comparison site http://www.creditcards121.com/ and visit credit card advice for more information on credit card security.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Kenny
http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-FAQ---Credit-Card-Security-and-Authentication&id=168150
By Joseph Kenny
With the ever rising reports of credit card fraud, fraudulent use, internet phishing and identity theft, people are rightly concerned about credit card security. Fraudulent credit card use can be an annoyance at best, and seriously damage your credit at worst. It's only reasonable that people have questions about credit card security and authentication methods. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about credit card security.
1. How does the ATM or store terminal know my PIN number?
PIN (personal identification numbers) are the most often used way to authenticate your identity when you use your credit or ATM card. When you first choose your PIN number, it is 'encrypted' - stored in a secret code of letters and symbols - and either stored in a database or on the magnetic stripe on the back of your card.
2. If my PIN number is stored in a database, doesn't that mean that bank or credit card employees have access to it?
The encryption method that's used by ATM and credit cards is called 'one-way encryption'. It makes it easy for the bank's computer to verify the PIN given the bank's key and the PIN, but nearly impossible to extract the PIN in text form from the encrypted database.
3. How does the machine 'read' my card?
The stripe on the back of your credit or ATM card is called a magnetic stripe. It's actually made up of thousands of tiny magnetic iron-based particles. The card can be 'written to' much the same way that the hard drive on your computer can be written - by means of magnetic interaction changing the charge. Written into the stripe are your account number and identifying data. When you swipe the card, that information is read and sent via modem to an 'acquirer' - a company that 'acquires' a payment guarantee from the credit card company based on the information stored on your card's magnetic stripe.
4. Isn't buying on the internet dangerous and insecure?
Honestly? Your credit card information is in less danger being transmitted over the internet than it is when you hand your card to a store clerk at the counter. The real danger to your credit card information isn't from hackers hitting online merchants, or stealing your credit card information via modem or phone lines. The real internet security dangers come from two different directions:
a. Hackers using back doors to get into the records of banks, credit card companies and data repositories.
This is the biggest danger. It's also a danger for stores and companies that have records 'online' for billing purposes. There's a great deal being done to improve security of data repositories, which are far more vulnerable than any data transmission stream.
b. The second big credit card security danger is the practice that's sometimes called 'phishing'.
In this case, the credit card thieves trick you into giving them your identification and credit card data. They may do this with an email purporting to be from an official of your internet service provider or email, your credit card issuer or anyone else. They also may build sites that are identical to sites like Paypal, American Express and others for the express purpose of capturing your information so that they can use it.
5. How do I protect myself from phishers?
First, never provide your social security number or other identifying data to anyone without first verifying that they are exactly who they say they are. Experts recommend that you never use the link provided in an email to go to the site of someone you do business with. Instead, open a new browser window and type in the known address by hand
You may freely reprint this article provided that the author bio and live links are left intact.
Joseph Kenny writes for the credit card comparison site http://www.creditcards121.com/ and visit credit card advice for more information on credit card security.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Kenny
http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-FAQ---Credit-Card-Security-and-Authentication&id=168150
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
Online Ordering Tips – Considerations for Providing Sensitive Information over the Internet
By Keith D Commiskey
Online vs. In Person
The risk of credit theft is viable no matter how you purchase, be it online or in person. However, in my experience as a retailer for 5 years and a consumer for 20+ years, and as it seems now, it is more likely that your credit card information will be found in the wrong hands from an in-person purchase than from an online purchase. Consider that when using a credit card in person, such as when you are at a restaurant and your credit card disappears to a back room somewhere. Is someone writing down your number, expiration date, and CCV somewhere? Who would know? I have heard of one account where that happened, and I have heard of another where a copy of the card was made. Then there was another incident at a well-known department store where copies of carbons were pocketed and used for employee-to-employee purchases. Another consideration for in-person credit card use is that signatures are rarely verified, and even when they are, they are typically not scrutinized adequately. The same goes for photo identification. Moreover, as just mentioned, these incidents are not limited to hole-in-the-wall diners and shops either. Employees of well-known dining and shopping establishments are committing this type of theft.
Now suppose you do not give your card to a stranger for processing in some back room where you cannot see, but instead you swipe your card through a machine (otherwise known as a terminal). Guess what? You just made an online purchase. All of your credit card information just went through an electronic processing gateway, which is the same thing that happens when your credit card is processed over the Net. As you can see, Internet processing is nearly the same as in-person processing in that sometimes your card information goes directly into an electronic gateway, and sometimes it resides with an employee who then processes the information (for online purchases, the information is temporarily stored on a secure server until an employee processes the information).
You can now see that there are two ways for processing credit cards: online and in person. The first way (automatic processing) is identical for both online and in-person transactions in that no employee ever sees your information. The second way (manual processing) requires an employee or storeowner (or sole proprietor) to process your transaction manually.
Why is online more secure than in person? There are at least a couple of reasons. If the process goes directly through a processing gateway (automatic processing), then there is very little if no difference between online and in-person transactions. If the process is done through an employee (manual processing), then typically the online store only has one person or small department who is allowed access (or exposure) to your information, whereas when you are processing a card at a restaurant, almost any employee is allowed and able to handle your credit information. Also, consider that unless you are dealing with a well-known, nationwide store, most online stores are fairly small and owned by sole proprietors or an LLC. These owners put a lot of time, energy, and cost into establishing their store. To become the subject matter of credit theft would undermine these efforts. In-person stores, on the other hand, hire employees who have little, if any, stock in the success of the company.
Uninvited Thieves
Online purchases typically avoid most, and sometimes all, of the potential threats from so-called ”trusted” employees. However, online purchases do offer a potential danger zone of their own: hackers. Credit card numbers and other vital information are almost certainly stored in a database somewhere. If that database is compromised, so is the credit card information it contains. Although, from what I have read and heard over the last 5-7 years, this happens far, far less than in-person theft. A lost or stolen purse or wallet is much more likely to result in attempted credit card fraud. Even if a hacker were to break into one of these databases, not only would the investigation be taken to a very high level of investigation (as opposed to a stolen purse or wallet or even identity theft), but there would also be hundreds to millions of others in line with you.
CISP: VISA (et al) is On Your Side
We have learned that automatic transaction processing is just as secure whether it is done online or in person. And based on the points made, manual transaction processing is typically more secure when done online than in person (again, at least at this point in time). There is one consideration, however, that can lower the defenses of a manual transaction done online. Typically, your credit card information is stored on a secure database, and an employee must transfer that information to the secure gateway. However, if the store saves any of your credit information on their local computer, then that leaves your information open to hackers on that computer. Unfortunately, short of asking, or unless it is mentioned in the store’s FAQ, there is no way of knowing whether they do this. Although it is unnecessary for a storeowner to store this information, and it is technically against VISA regulations, it can certainly happen. If you do feel or find that your credit information is being stored by a store owner, be it in person or online, feel free to visit the VISA Cardholder Information Security Program (CISP) page located at http://usa.visa.com/merchants/risk_management/cisp_overview.html
Catching a Card
If a credit card thief tries using a stolen credit card at a store (online or in person) that uses manual processing, there are signs that can flag such an illegal transaction, which humans can catch. In person, there are photo and signature IDs that, when used, can flag the purchase. Online, an incorrect billing address, phone number, or even a returned e-mail can flag the process. With automatic transactions, the card is likely to be accepted without question, even if there are one or two small flags. In such cases, if your credit card or credit information is stolen, you can only hope that the thief will use a store that processes transactions manually.
Online Skeptics Are Still Online
Considering the number of people who are skeptical of making purchases online, it would seem that these folks are either not aware of a law that took effect on October 28, 2004, or do not write personal checks. The Check 21 Act has nearly guaranteed that your personal checks will be scanned into an electronic format, stored, and even transferred as necessary just like credit card information. You can find additional information on the Check 21 Act at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/check21.htm
Security = Encryption
One of the most common precautions for purchasing online is to ensure that the Web page you are providing the information to is secure (encrypted). Depending on the browser you are using, secure pages will typically have a lock somewhere in the status bar. In addition, the URL (Web page address) will begin with HTTPS:// (Notice the "S" after the HTTP. The “S” means that the page is secure.) On a secure page, the information being sent is encrypted, that is, the information is made into a puzzle that is extremely difficult for anyone except the receiving computer to solve. Also, remember that credit cards are only one type of information collected online. Always ensure that Web pages are secure before providing Social Security Numbers and other vital account information, such as bank account information.
Aging is a Good Thing
Consider the number of years a store has been open for business. Check for their Sales and Use or Tax Permit. Even online, they should display one because if they are transacting business over the Internet, then that is their "place of business". Obviously, stores need to start out somewhere, but just take a little extra caution with stores that have been open for only a year or two. Consider calling them before ordering just to verify that there is someone on the other end.
Changing Names – Changing Favorites
When information is collected on every other Web site you visit, the sensitivity level of such information is diluted. Consider changing your favorite pet’s name once in awhile. And the “First street you lived on” does not have to be the first street you lived on. Nor does it have to be the last school you attended. These are simply reminders and are sometimes easier for a stranger (or even a family member) to guess at than your password. Consider not using the real answers to these. They can be used as backdoors into your account.
Use Another Credit Card
Most people nowadays have more than one credit card. Select a card that has the least amount of credit on it to ensure that if something were ever to go wrong, you have the least to lose. You should also consider only using a credit/debit card from your primary bank account for larger and less-often purchases. If this card is swiped and used, it could leave you short for any legitimate transactions that have yet to clear, like your online bills. You could also set up a bank account solely for online purchases. If you use your primary bank, you can transfer money as needed to cover charges before they are made: Or just keep a very small amount (like $100) in that account at all times.
Temporary Credit Cards
Speaking of using another credit card for online purchases, some financial institutions now offer temporary credit cards with a set limit, a set time frame, or both. Contact your financial institution for additional information on temporary credit cards.
Outside the Box (or in another box)
Another idea for making online payments is to always use the same credit card for online purchases and keep an eye on that account on a very regular basis. Also, consider minimizing its use. You can also consider using an online money transfer service such as PayPal or Google Checkout (although these limit your purchases to stores that also use these services).
Information Storage
When purchasing online, you will most likely be asked to come up with a password for an “account” with the online store. At some point, perhaps even today, you already have far too many passwords to remember. In contrast, if you use the same password for everything, and that password is found out, you have even more places where you are vulnerable to theft. As you probably already know, writing passwords down and putting them in your purse or wallet is extremely risky, and you NEVER want to store your PIN numbers in the same location as your ATM/debit cards (that’s like putting your password under your keyboard or a key under the mat). A safe-deposit box or fireproof house safe would be good but considerably less convenient. You might want to consider a password-storage application that can be found by visiting the Sponsored Links at http://www.google.com/search?q=password+storage. Using this method, you remember one password that will allow you access to all of your other passwords (so make it a long and complicated password). And if you store passwords in your cell phone, on a PIM, or on a laptop (although all are very dangerous), be sure to password protect those devices as well.
For additional information about online security and computer safety in general, see my article on “Security and Safeguards -- Virtual and Real-World” at:
http://giftsforyou.biz/tips_security_and_safeguards.shtml
Keith D Commiskey
http://kdcinfo.com
http://giftsforyou.biz - Crystal Figurines - Crystal Gifts
Keith D Commiskey is the owner and sole proprietor of GiftsForYou.Biz, an online store specializing in affordable crystal gifts. Meet the owner of GiftsForYou.Biz at: http://giftsforyou.biz/gfy_meettheowner.shtml
Mr. Commiskey, born and raised in Northern California, has been hard at learning nearly his entire life (yes, only "nearly", we wouldn't quite consider teething learning). After serving nearly 7 years in the military (3 years active, 4 years reserve), he went to work full time for an engineering firm. Full time in this sense meant 7 days per week, an average of 14-16 hours per day, for 6 years. He then branched out into his self-taught profession, 3-D modeling and computer animation. These skills gradually carried him over into the realm of the web (World Wide Web, that is). He successfully integrated his graphic and myriad other abilities into programming web pages.
Always full of ideas and a positive spirit, and welcoming you to a world of sharing.
Keith D Commiskey
http://kdcinfo.com
http://giftsforyou.biz - Crystal Figurines - Crystal Gifts
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_D_Commiskey
http://EzineArticles.com/?Online-Ordering-Tips---Considerations-for-Providing-Sensitive-Information-over-the-Internet&id=513055
By Keith D Commiskey
Online vs. In Person
The risk of credit theft is viable no matter how you purchase, be it online or in person. However, in my experience as a retailer for 5 years and a consumer for 20+ years, and as it seems now, it is more likely that your credit card information will be found in the wrong hands from an in-person purchase than from an online purchase. Consider that when using a credit card in person, such as when you are at a restaurant and your credit card disappears to a back room somewhere. Is someone writing down your number, expiration date, and CCV somewhere? Who would know? I have heard of one account where that happened, and I have heard of another where a copy of the card was made. Then there was another incident at a well-known department store where copies of carbons were pocketed and used for employee-to-employee purchases. Another consideration for in-person credit card use is that signatures are rarely verified, and even when they are, they are typically not scrutinized adequately. The same goes for photo identification. Moreover, as just mentioned, these incidents are not limited to hole-in-the-wall diners and shops either. Employees of well-known dining and shopping establishments are committing this type of theft.
Now suppose you do not give your card to a stranger for processing in some back room where you cannot see, but instead you swipe your card through a machine (otherwise known as a terminal). Guess what? You just made an online purchase. All of your credit card information just went through an electronic processing gateway, which is the same thing that happens when your credit card is processed over the Net. As you can see, Internet processing is nearly the same as in-person processing in that sometimes your card information goes directly into an electronic gateway, and sometimes it resides with an employee who then processes the information (for online purchases, the information is temporarily stored on a secure server until an employee processes the information).
You can now see that there are two ways for processing credit cards: online and in person. The first way (automatic processing) is identical for both online and in-person transactions in that no employee ever sees your information. The second way (manual processing) requires an employee or storeowner (or sole proprietor) to process your transaction manually.
Why is online more secure than in person? There are at least a couple of reasons. If the process goes directly through a processing gateway (automatic processing), then there is very little if no difference between online and in-person transactions. If the process is done through an employee (manual processing), then typically the online store only has one person or small department who is allowed access (or exposure) to your information, whereas when you are processing a card at a restaurant, almost any employee is allowed and able to handle your credit information. Also, consider that unless you are dealing with a well-known, nationwide store, most online stores are fairly small and owned by sole proprietors or an LLC. These owners put a lot of time, energy, and cost into establishing their store. To become the subject matter of credit theft would undermine these efforts. In-person stores, on the other hand, hire employees who have little, if any, stock in the success of the company.
Uninvited Thieves
Online purchases typically avoid most, and sometimes all, of the potential threats from so-called ”trusted” employees. However, online purchases do offer a potential danger zone of their own: hackers. Credit card numbers and other vital information are almost certainly stored in a database somewhere. If that database is compromised, so is the credit card information it contains. Although, from what I have read and heard over the last 5-7 years, this happens far, far less than in-person theft. A lost or stolen purse or wallet is much more likely to result in attempted credit card fraud. Even if a hacker were to break into one of these databases, not only would the investigation be taken to a very high level of investigation (as opposed to a stolen purse or wallet or even identity theft), but there would also be hundreds to millions of others in line with you.
CISP: VISA (et al) is On Your Side
We have learned that automatic transaction processing is just as secure whether it is done online or in person. And based on the points made, manual transaction processing is typically more secure when done online than in person (again, at least at this point in time). There is one consideration, however, that can lower the defenses of a manual transaction done online. Typically, your credit card information is stored on a secure database, and an employee must transfer that information to the secure gateway. However, if the store saves any of your credit information on their local computer, then that leaves your information open to hackers on that computer. Unfortunately, short of asking, or unless it is mentioned in the store’s FAQ, there is no way of knowing whether they do this. Although it is unnecessary for a storeowner to store this information, and it is technically against VISA regulations, it can certainly happen. If you do feel or find that your credit information is being stored by a store owner, be it in person or online, feel free to visit the VISA Cardholder Information Security Program (CISP) page located at http://usa.visa.com/merchants/risk_management/cisp_overview.html
Catching a Card
If a credit card thief tries using a stolen credit card at a store (online or in person) that uses manual processing, there are signs that can flag such an illegal transaction, which humans can catch. In person, there are photo and signature IDs that, when used, can flag the purchase. Online, an incorrect billing address, phone number, or even a returned e-mail can flag the process. With automatic transactions, the card is likely to be accepted without question, even if there are one or two small flags. In such cases, if your credit card or credit information is stolen, you can only hope that the thief will use a store that processes transactions manually.
Online Skeptics Are Still Online
Considering the number of people who are skeptical of making purchases online, it would seem that these folks are either not aware of a law that took effect on October 28, 2004, or do not write personal checks. The Check 21 Act has nearly guaranteed that your personal checks will be scanned into an electronic format, stored, and even transferred as necessary just like credit card information. You can find additional information on the Check 21 Act at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/check21.htm
Security = Encryption
One of the most common precautions for purchasing online is to ensure that the Web page you are providing the information to is secure (encrypted). Depending on the browser you are using, secure pages will typically have a lock somewhere in the status bar. In addition, the URL (Web page address) will begin with HTTPS:// (Notice the "S" after the HTTP. The “S” means that the page is secure.) On a secure page, the information being sent is encrypted, that is, the information is made into a puzzle that is extremely difficult for anyone except the receiving computer to solve. Also, remember that credit cards are only one type of information collected online. Always ensure that Web pages are secure before providing Social Security Numbers and other vital account information, such as bank account information.
Aging is a Good Thing
Consider the number of years a store has been open for business. Check for their Sales and Use or Tax Permit. Even online, they should display one because if they are transacting business over the Internet, then that is their "place of business". Obviously, stores need to start out somewhere, but just take a little extra caution with stores that have been open for only a year or two. Consider calling them before ordering just to verify that there is someone on the other end.
Changing Names – Changing Favorites
When information is collected on every other Web site you visit, the sensitivity level of such information is diluted. Consider changing your favorite pet’s name once in awhile. And the “First street you lived on” does not have to be the first street you lived on. Nor does it have to be the last school you attended. These are simply reminders and are sometimes easier for a stranger (or even a family member) to guess at than your password. Consider not using the real answers to these. They can be used as backdoors into your account.
Use Another Credit Card
Most people nowadays have more than one credit card. Select a card that has the least amount of credit on it to ensure that if something were ever to go wrong, you have the least to lose. You should also consider only using a credit/debit card from your primary bank account for larger and less-often purchases. If this card is swiped and used, it could leave you short for any legitimate transactions that have yet to clear, like your online bills. You could also set up a bank account solely for online purchases. If you use your primary bank, you can transfer money as needed to cover charges before they are made: Or just keep a very small amount (like $100) in that account at all times.
Temporary Credit Cards
Speaking of using another credit card for online purchases, some financial institutions now offer temporary credit cards with a set limit, a set time frame, or both. Contact your financial institution for additional information on temporary credit cards.
Outside the Box (or in another box)
Another idea for making online payments is to always use the same credit card for online purchases and keep an eye on that account on a very regular basis. Also, consider minimizing its use. You can also consider using an online money transfer service such as PayPal or Google Checkout (although these limit your purchases to stores that also use these services).
Information Storage
When purchasing online, you will most likely be asked to come up with a password for an “account” with the online store. At some point, perhaps even today, you already have far too many passwords to remember. In contrast, if you use the same password for everything, and that password is found out, you have even more places where you are vulnerable to theft. As you probably already know, writing passwords down and putting them in your purse or wallet is extremely risky, and you NEVER want to store your PIN numbers in the same location as your ATM/debit cards (that’s like putting your password under your keyboard or a key under the mat). A safe-deposit box or fireproof house safe would be good but considerably less convenient. You might want to consider a password-storage application that can be found by visiting the Sponsored Links at http://www.google.com/search?q=password+storage. Using this method, you remember one password that will allow you access to all of your other passwords (so make it a long and complicated password). And if you store passwords in your cell phone, on a PIM, or on a laptop (although all are very dangerous), be sure to password protect those devices as well.
For additional information about online security and computer safety in general, see my article on “Security and Safeguards -- Virtual and Real-World” at:
http://giftsforyou.biz/tips_security_and_safeguards.shtml
Keith D Commiskey
http://kdcinfo.com
http://giftsforyou.biz - Crystal Figurines - Crystal Gifts
Keith D Commiskey is the owner and sole proprietor of GiftsForYou.Biz, an online store specializing in affordable crystal gifts. Meet the owner of GiftsForYou.Biz at: http://giftsforyou.biz/gfy_meettheowner.shtml
Mr. Commiskey, born and raised in Northern California, has been hard at learning nearly his entire life (yes, only "nearly", we wouldn't quite consider teething learning). After serving nearly 7 years in the military (3 years active, 4 years reserve), he went to work full time for an engineering firm. Full time in this sense meant 7 days per week, an average of 14-16 hours per day, for 6 years. He then branched out into his self-taught profession, 3-D modeling and computer animation. These skills gradually carried him over into the realm of the web (World Wide Web, that is). He successfully integrated his graphic and myriad other abilities into programming web pages.
Always full of ideas and a positive spirit, and welcoming you to a world of sharing.
Keith D Commiskey
http://kdcinfo.com
http://giftsforyou.biz - Crystal Figurines - Crystal Gifts
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_D_Commiskey
http://EzineArticles.com/?Online-Ordering-Tips---Considerations-for-Providing-Sensitive-Information-over-the-Internet&id=513055
Monday, April 30, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
Credit Card Debt: How To Get Rid Of It.
By Greg Mee
This method is simple, but requires some discipline.
First, you have to stop any new spending on your cards.
Second - you'll need to examine all of your spending. You'll
need to know how much extra money you'll be able to put towards
paying off your cards.
Credit card companies generally determine the minimum payment
to be 2 - 2.5% of the outstanding balance. So if you owe
$1,000, for example, your minimum payment will be 20 - $25 per
month.
Some part of that $25 goes to the interest on the balance, some
to pay off the actual balance. How much goes where depends on
the interest rate. Your credit card statement will give you the
exact numbers.
Let's say that $20 of the $25 goes to the actual balance. To
pay off $1,000 at $20 per month will take 50 months. Just over
four years. You'll also have paid $250 in interest alone.
Here's how you pay them off:
Look at the interest rates on all your credit cards. Take the
one with the highest rate. That's the one you're going to work
on first and we'll call it card #1.
After examining your spending you may have found some money to
put towards your payments. All of this extra money to pay off
your card debt goes to this one card. The idea is to pay as
much extra to card #1 as you can. Until it's paid off.
Pay the minimum balances on all the other cards until card #1
is done.
Then take the card with the next highest interest rate and add
to its payment the total of the payment you were making to card
#1. In other words, send the regular monthly payment you used to
send for card #1, plus any additional amounts that you used to
pay on card #1, plus the monthly minimum for card #2- all to
card #2. Do this until card #2 is done.
Then take the total you were paying to cards #1 and #2 and add
that to the payment on card #3, and so on.
Here's an example:
Let's say you have four, maxed out, credit cards. Each with a
balance of $5,000 ($20,000 total.)
Say the minimum payment on each card is $100 (yours may be
different) making your monthly minimum payment total $400.
Now let's say you have $500 per month to pay these off, which
you found through analyzing all your spending.
Card #1 has the highest interest rate and you'll send $200 per
month to that card and pay the minimums ($100) on each of the
others.
And you're not adding any new spending.
The extra $100 you're sending in to card #1 goes to the actual
balance of the card, not the interest. This will let you pay
that card off a lot faster. You might be able to kill this card
in two years, instead of 5.
Eventually, card #1 is dead. The entire payment, $200, that you
were making to card #1 gets added to the payment on card #2, for
$300 total. ($100 minimum plus the extra $200 from card #1.)
The balance on card #2 will be less than $5,000 since you've
been making your minimum payments all along. Adding the $200
from card #1 to the payment of $100 that you've been making to
card #2 will make this card go away much faster than the first
card did.
When card #2 is gone you take the $300 per month that you were
paying to #1 and #2 and add it to the payment on #3, which will
now be $400/month.
When #3 is done you repeat the procedure for card #4, but now
you're sending the whole $500/month to that one card.
Obviously this system will take years, but at the end of that
time you have:
* Four dead cards (hopefully you cut most of them up,)
* Spending and budgeting discipline earned from going through
the whole process, and
* $500/month to put into a savings account or where ever.
Good luck!
About the Author: Written by Greg Mee. For more help on
handling credit card debt visit
http://www.1-credit-card-debt.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Greg Mee
This method is simple, but requires some discipline.
First, you have to stop any new spending on your cards.
Second - you'll need to examine all of your spending. You'll
need to know how much extra money you'll be able to put towards
paying off your cards.
Credit card companies generally determine the minimum payment
to be 2 - 2.5% of the outstanding balance. So if you owe
$1,000, for example, your minimum payment will be 20 - $25 per
month.
Some part of that $25 goes to the interest on the balance, some
to pay off the actual balance. How much goes where depends on
the interest rate. Your credit card statement will give you the
exact numbers.
Let's say that $20 of the $25 goes to the actual balance. To
pay off $1,000 at $20 per month will take 50 months. Just over
four years. You'll also have paid $250 in interest alone.
Here's how you pay them off:
Look at the interest rates on all your credit cards. Take the
one with the highest rate. That's the one you're going to work
on first and we'll call it card #1.
After examining your spending you may have found some money to
put towards your payments. All of this extra money to pay off
your card debt goes to this one card. The idea is to pay as
much extra to card #1 as you can. Until it's paid off.
Pay the minimum balances on all the other cards until card #1
is done.
Then take the card with the next highest interest rate and add
to its payment the total of the payment you were making to card
#1. In other words, send the regular monthly payment you used to
send for card #1, plus any additional amounts that you used to
pay on card #1, plus the monthly minimum for card #2- all to
card #2. Do this until card #2 is done.
Then take the total you were paying to cards #1 and #2 and add
that to the payment on card #3, and so on.
Here's an example:
Let's say you have four, maxed out, credit cards. Each with a
balance of $5,000 ($20,000 total.)
Say the minimum payment on each card is $100 (yours may be
different) making your monthly minimum payment total $400.
Now let's say you have $500 per month to pay these off, which
you found through analyzing all your spending.
Card #1 has the highest interest rate and you'll send $200 per
month to that card and pay the minimums ($100) on each of the
others.
And you're not adding any new spending.
The extra $100 you're sending in to card #1 goes to the actual
balance of the card, not the interest. This will let you pay
that card off a lot faster. You might be able to kill this card
in two years, instead of 5.
Eventually, card #1 is dead. The entire payment, $200, that you
were making to card #1 gets added to the payment on card #2, for
$300 total. ($100 minimum plus the extra $200 from card #1.)
The balance on card #2 will be less than $5,000 since you've
been making your minimum payments all along. Adding the $200
from card #1 to the payment of $100 that you've been making to
card #2 will make this card go away much faster than the first
card did.
When card #2 is gone you take the $300 per month that you were
paying to #1 and #2 and add it to the payment on #3, which will
now be $400/month.
When #3 is done you repeat the procedure for card #4, but now
you're sending the whole $500/month to that one card.
Obviously this system will take years, but at the end of that
time you have:
* Four dead cards (hopefully you cut most of them up,)
* Spending and budgeting discipline earned from going through
the whole process, and
* $500/month to put into a savings account or where ever.
Good luck!
About the Author: Written by Greg Mee. For more help on
handling credit card debt visit
http://www.1-credit-card-debt.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
Opting For A Credit Card? Check Out Certain Terms
By James Marriott
You’ve just received a "pre-approved" credit card offer in your
mail. Without wasting a minute you’re ready to accept it,
especially if it’s the "before-the-offer-expires” one. Wait!
Don’t be in a hurry. Shop around a little and then make your
decision about that credit card.
Do you know that these "pre-approved" offers that pop up almost
every time you open your mail are just gimmicks? Actually, the
approval of your credit card depends on your formal
application. If it fails to meet the criteria, you may be
either denied the credit card or offered a higher interest rate
on it. Moreover, don’t be in the illusion that just because your
credit card is pre-approved, it’ll be compatible to your
spending habits. Credit card basically means that you’re
borrowing money by paying some charges. So, it’s essential to
understand the terms and conditions of the credit card before
accepting it.
Every credit card applier should be aware of certain terms
before opting for that valuable plastic asset. Are you aware of
them? If not, then read on…
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): It’s the measure of the credit
cost that is charged annually. Before opening your credit card
account, you should be familiar with the APR. In addition, some
credit card issuers may change your APR with the change in
interest rates or other economic indicators. Programs allowing
such change are called "variable rate" programs.
Free Period or Grace Period: Always find out whether your
credit card gives you a free period lest you may be deprived of
the benefit of avoiding finance charges on full payment before
the due date. If your credit card offers a grace period, you
should receive your bill 14 days prior to the due date, so that
you get sufficient time to make the payments.
Annual Fees, Transaction Fees and other charges: It’s vital to
have knowledge about the annual and transaction fees charged by
the credit card issuer. Besides this, you may also be charged in
case of a cash advance, a late payment, or exceeding your credit
limit. Sometimes, you’ve to pay a monthly fee even if you don’t
use your credit card.
The Bonus Program: If you’re opting for a credit card that
offers attractions like airline miles, merchandise, or cash
back, check out whether there are any participation charges
linked with them. If you think you won’t get a chance to use
these bonuses due to your lifestyle, then it’s better to avoid
such credit cards.
Zero percent financing: If you hold several credit cards, then
a credit card with an initial 0 percent balance transfer rate
would save you hundreds of dollars in the first year. However,
such transfers may come with some charges. Check them out.
Credit card terms differ with the issuers. You should know how
you’d use your credit card. For instance, if you are going to
pay your full balance each month, then you should concentrate
on annual fee and other charges rather than the periodic rate
and the APR.
Moreover, you should know your credit card limit too. Also,
find out how popular the credit card is and what are the
features and programs of the credit card you’ve opted for.
Once you are well versed with the terms of the credit card,
just apply for it!
About the Author: James is a regular finance columnist with
RNCOS (http://www.rncos.com). He writes on a wide range of
topics, including mutual funds, taxes, credit cards, and IRAs.
For further suggestions and comments on the articles and bad
credit loans, feel free to question our staff writer at
info@rncos.com.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By James Marriott
You’ve just received a "pre-approved" credit card offer in your
mail. Without wasting a minute you’re ready to accept it,
especially if it’s the "before-the-offer-expires” one. Wait!
Don’t be in a hurry. Shop around a little and then make your
decision about that credit card.
Do you know that these "pre-approved" offers that pop up almost
every time you open your mail are just gimmicks? Actually, the
approval of your credit card depends on your formal
application. If it fails to meet the criteria, you may be
either denied the credit card or offered a higher interest rate
on it. Moreover, don’t be in the illusion that just because your
credit card is pre-approved, it’ll be compatible to your
spending habits. Credit card basically means that you’re
borrowing money by paying some charges. So, it’s essential to
understand the terms and conditions of the credit card before
accepting it.
Every credit card applier should be aware of certain terms
before opting for that valuable plastic asset. Are you aware of
them? If not, then read on…
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): It’s the measure of the credit
cost that is charged annually. Before opening your credit card
account, you should be familiar with the APR. In addition, some
credit card issuers may change your APR with the change in
interest rates or other economic indicators. Programs allowing
such change are called "variable rate" programs.
Free Period or Grace Period: Always find out whether your
credit card gives you a free period lest you may be deprived of
the benefit of avoiding finance charges on full payment before
the due date. If your credit card offers a grace period, you
should receive your bill 14 days prior to the due date, so that
you get sufficient time to make the payments.
Annual Fees, Transaction Fees and other charges: It’s vital to
have knowledge about the annual and transaction fees charged by
the credit card issuer. Besides this, you may also be charged in
case of a cash advance, a late payment, or exceeding your credit
limit. Sometimes, you’ve to pay a monthly fee even if you don’t
use your credit card.
The Bonus Program: If you’re opting for a credit card that
offers attractions like airline miles, merchandise, or cash
back, check out whether there are any participation charges
linked with them. If you think you won’t get a chance to use
these bonuses due to your lifestyle, then it’s better to avoid
such credit cards.
Zero percent financing: If you hold several credit cards, then
a credit card with an initial 0 percent balance transfer rate
would save you hundreds of dollars in the first year. However,
such transfers may come with some charges. Check them out.
Credit card terms differ with the issuers. You should know how
you’d use your credit card. For instance, if you are going to
pay your full balance each month, then you should concentrate
on annual fee and other charges rather than the periodic rate
and the APR.
Moreover, you should know your credit card limit too. Also,
find out how popular the credit card is and what are the
features and programs of the credit card you’ve opted for.
Once you are well versed with the terms of the credit card,
just apply for it!
About the Author: James is a regular finance columnist with
RNCOS (http://www.rncos.com). He writes on a wide range of
topics, including mutual funds, taxes, credit cards, and IRAs.
For further suggestions and comments on the articles and bad
credit loans, feel free to question our staff writer at
info@rncos.com.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Friday, April 27, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
Credit Card Security Measures
By Jeff Lakie
The chip and pin security features that credit cards offer is a very secure and simple integration that makes using a credit card safer and easier. This security works in way that allows the user to enter a PIN (personal identification number) during checkout. This is a wonderful security feature because with chip and pin security the instances of forged signatures will be drastically reduced. Too often retailers fail to make the effort of comparing signatures during check out, with this security feature without knowing the PIN a purchase cannot be made. CPS is excellent because even if your card were to become lost or stolen, unauthorized purchases could not me made since they would not know the PIN.
The credit cards that have implemented this feature, embed a chip directly into the card. This chip contains the PIN within it, when you arrive at any establishment in person, to make a purchase you will be required to enter the pin into a number pad provided to you at check out by the retailer. The credit card machine will then confirm that the chip has the same number embedded as the one you provided.
One specific drawback of the chip and pin security is that the added security does not prevent unauthorized withdrawals at an ATM. Even though a stolen card would be difficult to use in a retail setting for purchases, the added security will not apply to a thief wanting to withdrawal money using the cash machine. Additionally, not all retailers have adapted to this new security. At some retailers the chip and pin security will not make a difference, you may still be required to sign a receipt.
These new security features with a credit card, once adapted by all retailers will be an excellent deterrent for theft of credit cards, as well as identity theft. The instances of unauthorized purchases and credit card thefts will decrease in a dramatic way, especially if they can somehow implement the security feature for ATM withdrawals and online purchases. The chip and pin security only seems to work with retailers that have the system adapted into their own machines. It does not work with ATMS or online retail settings because the card must actually be swiped and read.
Implementing the security feature to work with these settings will be an excellent method of theft deterrent and add additional safety to our world.
Jeff Lakie is a leading writer at the
Bad credit loans uk website. Stop by today for additional information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Lakie
http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Security-Measures&id=171722
By Jeff Lakie
The chip and pin security features that credit cards offer is a very secure and simple integration that makes using a credit card safer and easier. This security works in way that allows the user to enter a PIN (personal identification number) during checkout. This is a wonderful security feature because with chip and pin security the instances of forged signatures will be drastically reduced. Too often retailers fail to make the effort of comparing signatures during check out, with this security feature without knowing the PIN a purchase cannot be made. CPS is excellent because even if your card were to become lost or stolen, unauthorized purchases could not me made since they would not know the PIN.
The credit cards that have implemented this feature, embed a chip directly into the card. This chip contains the PIN within it, when you arrive at any establishment in person, to make a purchase you will be required to enter the pin into a number pad provided to you at check out by the retailer. The credit card machine will then confirm that the chip has the same number embedded as the one you provided.
One specific drawback of the chip and pin security is that the added security does not prevent unauthorized withdrawals at an ATM. Even though a stolen card would be difficult to use in a retail setting for purchases, the added security will not apply to a thief wanting to withdrawal money using the cash machine. Additionally, not all retailers have adapted to this new security. At some retailers the chip and pin security will not make a difference, you may still be required to sign a receipt.
These new security features with a credit card, once adapted by all retailers will be an excellent deterrent for theft of credit cards, as well as identity theft. The instances of unauthorized purchases and credit card thefts will decrease in a dramatic way, especially if they can somehow implement the security feature for ATM withdrawals and online purchases. The chip and pin security only seems to work with retailers that have the system adapted into their own machines. It does not work with ATMS or online retail settings because the card must actually be swiped and read.
Implementing the security feature to work with these settings will be an excellent method of theft deterrent and add additional safety to our world.
Jeff Lakie is a leading writer at the
Bad credit loans uk website. Stop by today for additional information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Lakie
http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Security-Measures&id=171722
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
Credit Card Fraud Prevention
By Joseph Kenny
Globally credit card fraud costs card issuers billions of dollars a year in fraudulent use of their cards. Some of this loss is passed back to retailers who failed to comply with the normal processing method for the card. Another part of the loss is insured. Nonetheless, as a cardholder you are potentially liable for any fraudulent use of your credit card. It is, therefore, imperative that you make yourself aware of what the current fraud scams are and how you can help to in the battle of credit card fraud prevention.
To this end, the following are some fraud prevention methods you can adopt:
* when using your card, never card out of your sight
* if you use the card in an old carbon-copy paper machine, keep the carbon-copy and destroy it later
* never use your credit card on an unsecured website
* never use your credit card to withdraw money in an ATM
Aside from the above, ensuring that you use certain technological advances with your credit card should also help in any credit card fraud prevention. In this regard, the following are currently popular with card issuers:
* identification photos: where your picture is shown on the front of the card
* fingerprinting: where a facsimile of your fingerprint is shown on the reverse of your card;
* chip and Pin systems: where the card has an encrypted chip containing details about the card and a PIN that ensures the card is a genuine issue. Essentially the chip contains the same information that used to be contained in the magnetic strip on the reverse of the card, but in chip format it is believed to be harder to copy.
Although each of these systems is no foolproof credit card fraud prevention method, with credit card fraud costing more and more each year, you can bet that issuers are going to be tackling this issue head-on: so stay aware of the latest credit card fraud preventions methods and help combat this growing problem.
Joseph Kenny writes for the Loans Store and offer more information on personal loans and other loan topics available on site.
Visit today: http://www.ukpersonalloanstore.co.uk/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Kenny
http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Fraud-Prevention&id=198076
By Joseph Kenny
Globally credit card fraud costs card issuers billions of dollars a year in fraudulent use of their cards. Some of this loss is passed back to retailers who failed to comply with the normal processing method for the card. Another part of the loss is insured. Nonetheless, as a cardholder you are potentially liable for any fraudulent use of your credit card. It is, therefore, imperative that you make yourself aware of what the current fraud scams are and how you can help to in the battle of credit card fraud prevention.
To this end, the following are some fraud prevention methods you can adopt:
* when using your card, never card out of your sight
* if you use the card in an old carbon-copy paper machine, keep the carbon-copy and destroy it later
* never use your credit card on an unsecured website
* never use your credit card to withdraw money in an ATM
Aside from the above, ensuring that you use certain technological advances with your credit card should also help in any credit card fraud prevention. In this regard, the following are currently popular with card issuers:
* identification photos: where your picture is shown on the front of the card
* fingerprinting: where a facsimile of your fingerprint is shown on the reverse of your card;
* chip and Pin systems: where the card has an encrypted chip containing details about the card and a PIN that ensures the card is a genuine issue. Essentially the chip contains the same information that used to be contained in the magnetic strip on the reverse of the card, but in chip format it is believed to be harder to copy.
Although each of these systems is no foolproof credit card fraud prevention method, with credit card fraud costing more and more each year, you can bet that issuers are going to be tackling this issue head-on: so stay aware of the latest credit card fraud preventions methods and help combat this growing problem.
Joseph Kenny writes for the Loans Store and offer more information on personal loans and other loan topics available on site.
Visit today: http://www.ukpersonalloanstore.co.uk/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Kenny
http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Fraud-Prevention&id=198076
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
Getting A Credit Card Is A Big Responsibility
By Connie Gutchrif
Owning a credit card can be quite an advantage. Whether making
online purchases, booking an air ticket or a hotel room on the
phone or simply being in need of some emergency cash, having a
credit card can be a big help. However, getting a credit card
is also a huge responsibility and if you don't keep an eye on
your spending habits, credit cards can create some serious
problems. Here is an excellent list of tips on proper credit
card use and if you follow these, you will likely stay out of
trouble and your credit card will be a blessing instead of a
curse:
1. When you make a purchase with the credit card, it is akin to
taking a loan from your bank. What you have borrowed has to be
returned - so do not borrow beyond your capacity to pay it
back.
2. Always be aware of your outstanding credit card balances.
This will help you determine whether you can make additional
purchases. Even small purchases can really add up to big
balances and substantial interest charges.
3.Any credit card receipts should be kept until you can compare
them to your monthly statement. If you find any purchases you
did not make, or higher charges than those on the receipt,
contact your credit card company immediately.
4. Never give out your credit card to anyone! This includes
people in your family and any of your friends. It is not that
you cannot trust these individuals, but you cannot track
purchases you are not even making.
5. Never charge more than you can repay. When you do, you can
hurt your future chances of getting any kind of credit,
including car loans, home mortgages and other forms of loans.
6. Pay your credit card bills on time or even before they are
due. Doing so will not only help improve your credit scores,
but also help avoid additional costs associated with late
payment charges and accrued interest.
7.Try to pay all your credit card bills in full each and every
month. Have payments of a certain amount in your budget and try
not to purchase more than that amount.
8. Use your credit cards for new purchases only. Too many
people use one credit card to pay another credit card bill and
that always leads to more spending and higher balances.
About the Author: Connie Gutchrif is the President of FN
Credit, LLC - An excellent resource for information on credit.
To learn more, be sure to visit: http://www.fncredit.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Connie Gutchrif
Owning a credit card can be quite an advantage. Whether making
online purchases, booking an air ticket or a hotel room on the
phone or simply being in need of some emergency cash, having a
credit card can be a big help. However, getting a credit card
is also a huge responsibility and if you don't keep an eye on
your spending habits, credit cards can create some serious
problems. Here is an excellent list of tips on proper credit
card use and if you follow these, you will likely stay out of
trouble and your credit card will be a blessing instead of a
curse:
1. When you make a purchase with the credit card, it is akin to
taking a loan from your bank. What you have borrowed has to be
returned - so do not borrow beyond your capacity to pay it
back.
2. Always be aware of your outstanding credit card balances.
This will help you determine whether you can make additional
purchases. Even small purchases can really add up to big
balances and substantial interest charges.
3.Any credit card receipts should be kept until you can compare
them to your monthly statement. If you find any purchases you
did not make, or higher charges than those on the receipt,
contact your credit card company immediately.
4. Never give out your credit card to anyone! This includes
people in your family and any of your friends. It is not that
you cannot trust these individuals, but you cannot track
purchases you are not even making.
5. Never charge more than you can repay. When you do, you can
hurt your future chances of getting any kind of credit,
including car loans, home mortgages and other forms of loans.
6. Pay your credit card bills on time or even before they are
due. Doing so will not only help improve your credit scores,
but also help avoid additional costs associated with late
payment charges and accrued interest.
7.Try to pay all your credit card bills in full each and every
month. Have payments of a certain amount in your budget and try
not to purchase more than that amount.
8. Use your credit cards for new purchases only. Too many
people use one credit card to pay another credit card bill and
that always leads to more spending and higher balances.
About the Author: Connie Gutchrif is the President of FN
Credit, LLC - An excellent resource for information on credit.
To learn more, be sure to visit: http://www.fncredit.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Monday, April 16, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
Buying Credit Card Terminals
By Kent Pinkerton
A credit card terminal is an indispensable device for your business. Major features of a credit card terminal are its price, speed, and reliability. There are three major types of terminals - traditional, wireless, and virtual. Each of them has its own features and functions. Modern credit card terminals require electricity and telephone lines. The price of a basic terminal ranges between $150 and $300. Terminals with printers vary from $200 to $600. For wireless terminals, the cost is ranges from $600 to $1,000. AVS (address verification system) is a standard feature on most credit card terminals- so it is advisable not to buy a terminal without it. While purchasing wireless terminals, important factors to be considered are battery life, weight, range, and shock-resistance.
Credit card terminals are perfect for businesses of all sizes. They come in different models. Businesses already using credit card terminals need to buy extra equipments to maintain additional services such as debit card transactions and issuing and accepting gift cards. Always keep your terminals clean. Dust, crumbs, and especially paper lint can quickly block printers and gum up stripe readers.
If you choose to buy your credit card terminal online, do some preparatory research at the outset. You should consider shipping charges and any other hidden costs involved. It is a good idea to compare prices online. Also, check the warranty and customer care services. You may also consider upgrading your existing machine rather than buying a totally new one. It is advisable that you go through online reviews from knowledgeable sources.
Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with Credit Card Processing Software.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Buying-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=353175
By Kent Pinkerton
A credit card terminal is an indispensable device for your business. Major features of a credit card terminal are its price, speed, and reliability. There are three major types of terminals - traditional, wireless, and virtual. Each of them has its own features and functions. Modern credit card terminals require electricity and telephone lines. The price of a basic terminal ranges between $150 and $300. Terminals with printers vary from $200 to $600. For wireless terminals, the cost is ranges from $600 to $1,000. AVS (address verification system) is a standard feature on most credit card terminals- so it is advisable not to buy a terminal without it. While purchasing wireless terminals, important factors to be considered are battery life, weight, range, and shock-resistance.
Credit card terminals are perfect for businesses of all sizes. They come in different models. Businesses already using credit card terminals need to buy extra equipments to maintain additional services such as debit card transactions and issuing and accepting gift cards. Always keep your terminals clean. Dust, crumbs, and especially paper lint can quickly block printers and gum up stripe readers.
If you choose to buy your credit card terminal online, do some preparatory research at the outset. You should consider shipping charges and any other hidden costs involved. It is a good idea to compare prices online. Also, check the warranty and customer care services. You may also consider upgrading your existing machine rather than buying a totally new one. It is advisable that you go through online reviews from knowledgeable sources.
Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with Credit Card Processing Software.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Buying-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=353175
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
Credit Card Processing Accessories
By Kent Pinkerton
Credit card processing accessories include a magnetic stripe reader, a keypad to enter prices and other information, and a small display. The printer can be either built-in or a separate unit. Traditional credit card terminals have different types of displays. Larger displays allow you see more information at once. Displays are usually measured in lines and columns. An 8 x 20 display has 8 lines of text in 20 columns. Backlit display is a standard feature in most new terminals. It lets you to see the terminal even in low light.
Keypads vary in size and number of keys. Larger keypads are very easy to use. There are many types of printers including dot matrix receipt printers, thermal receipt printers, and inkjet receipt printers. Credit card processing terminals are available with integrated fast thermal printer with automatic feeding system. Some of them have four users programmable function soft keys which help better interaction and built-in fast printer.
Credit card processing terminals are compact machines. Accessories such as integrated smart card readers, plug-in battery charger, and power cords are essential components. For virtual credit card terminals, phone or fax, software, computer, and internet connections are necessary. A credit card processing terminal that has a PIN pad can accept debit cards. Card reader cleaners and surge protectors are other credit card processing accessories. Printer paper, ribbons and ink cartridges, mounts and stackers, manual imprinters and imprinter slips, power packs, and cables are also indispensable credit card processing accessories.
There are a number of manufacturers who provide credit card processing accessories. They supply customers various quality solutions to suit their growing needs. Most of them are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of years from the date of shipment.
Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with Credit Card Processing Software.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Processing-Accessories&id=353176
By Kent Pinkerton
Credit card processing accessories include a magnetic stripe reader, a keypad to enter prices and other information, and a small display. The printer can be either built-in or a separate unit. Traditional credit card terminals have different types of displays. Larger displays allow you see more information at once. Displays are usually measured in lines and columns. An 8 x 20 display has 8 lines of text in 20 columns. Backlit display is a standard feature in most new terminals. It lets you to see the terminal even in low light.
Keypads vary in size and number of keys. Larger keypads are very easy to use. There are many types of printers including dot matrix receipt printers, thermal receipt printers, and inkjet receipt printers. Credit card processing terminals are available with integrated fast thermal printer with automatic feeding system. Some of them have four users programmable function soft keys which help better interaction and built-in fast printer.
Credit card processing terminals are compact machines. Accessories such as integrated smart card readers, plug-in battery charger, and power cords are essential components. For virtual credit card terminals, phone or fax, software, computer, and internet connections are necessary. A credit card processing terminal that has a PIN pad can accept debit cards. Card reader cleaners and surge protectors are other credit card processing accessories. Printer paper, ribbons and ink cartridges, mounts and stackers, manual imprinters and imprinter slips, power packs, and cables are also indispensable credit card processing accessories.
There are a number of manufacturers who provide credit card processing accessories. They supply customers various quality solutions to suit their growing needs. Most of them are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of years from the date of shipment.
Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with Credit Card Processing Software.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Credit-Card-Processing-Accessories&id=353176
Friday, April 13, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
How to Maintain Credit Card Terminals
By Jeremy Maddock
Buying credit card processing terminals for a retail business can be a substantial investment, costing several thousand dollars or more in many cases. When you invest this much money in this rather essential equipment, it is quite natural to want to properly maintain the equipment and extend its useful life for as long as possible.
One of the best ways to prevent your credit card terminals from breaking down prematurely is to clean them periodically.
The presence of dust, crumbs, and paper lint can cause built-in printers and stripe readers to become clogged making card reading devices difficult or impossible to use properly. A simple $2 investment in a can of compressed air, however, can help you quickly and easily clean your terminals, helping them last for up to five years without missing a beat.
When you buy new equipment of any kind for your business it is essential that you stay in the habit of maintaining it, and remind your employees to do the same.
Another, perhaps less obvious way to ensure the longevity of your card reading equipment is to buy a terminals that use integrated flash memory to store the software that runs them. Flash memory makes it easy to download and install system updates, preventing software advances and security vulnerabilities from rendering your devices obsolete.
About the Author:
Jeremy Maddock is a successful web-based freelancer, who writes articles about business financial products and other corporate products.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Maddock
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Maintain-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=297856
By Jeremy Maddock
Buying credit card processing terminals for a retail business can be a substantial investment, costing several thousand dollars or more in many cases. When you invest this much money in this rather essential equipment, it is quite natural to want to properly maintain the equipment and extend its useful life for as long as possible.
One of the best ways to prevent your credit card terminals from breaking down prematurely is to clean them periodically.
The presence of dust, crumbs, and paper lint can cause built-in printers and stripe readers to become clogged making card reading devices difficult or impossible to use properly. A simple $2 investment in a can of compressed air, however, can help you quickly and easily clean your terminals, helping them last for up to five years without missing a beat.
When you buy new equipment of any kind for your business it is essential that you stay in the habit of maintaining it, and remind your employees to do the same.
Another, perhaps less obvious way to ensure the longevity of your card reading equipment is to buy a terminals that use integrated flash memory to store the software that runs them. Flash memory makes it easy to download and install system updates, preventing software advances and security vulnerabilities from rendering your devices obsolete.
About the Author:
Jeremy Maddock is a successful web-based freelancer, who writes articles about business financial products and other corporate products.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Maddock
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Maintain-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=297856
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
How Your Credit Card Info Can Be Stolen By Identity Thieves
By Joseph Ducat
There are a number of situations when you are vulnerable to having your credit card information stolen by credit card thieves. Here are a few of them and how to avoid getting victimized.
Buying Gas - There have been cases where hackers have planted a software “bug” in a gas station machine used to process the credit card payments. The bug then captures any credit card information that is entered. It is not known how widespread this kind of crime is, but a number of cases have been recorded. There is no way for you to tell whether the credit card machine has a bug in it or not. The problem is in the software inside which you cannot see. If you are concerned that your credit card information can be stolen this way, and want to play it safe, then your best approach would be to pay for gas in cash. It is also safer to pay with a gas card rather than using a credit card.
Dining at a Restaurant - Most waiters and waitresses will not be out to steal your credit card information, but if any of them do, there are a number of ways that they can do it. In the first place, if a waiter takes your credit card to bring to the cashier, there is a chance that he may take the credit card information when the card is not in your view, possibly by using an electronic device known as a skimmer. Also, sometimes you may be given a card that is not yours, but looks similar, leaving your card behind where it can be vulnerable to identity thieves. This is a less likely approach as it is easily discovered, but nevertheless, you should always check to see whether the credit card you get back is actually yours. And mistakes are always possible. If you do not want to let your credit card out of your sight, then you should just go to the cashier to make your payment, no matter what other people in the restaurant may think.
Paying at the Cashier - There are email stories about people who pay with a credit or debit card, and the person taking it secretly takes a picture of the card using a camera phone. Although the stories may not be true, such a scam is at least technologically possible. You should always be alert when you are paying with a credit card. Take care that no one nearby is stealing glances at your credit card. Don’t bother to look for a camera--if it is there, you will not see it anyway. Instead, wait for the cashier to ask for your payment and hand it directly to him or her. Don’t just place it on the counter. And don’t let the card out of your sight. Make sure you can see what the cashier is doing with your card.
What Steps Can You Take To Prevent Identity Fraud? Find out with the articles on identity theft available at http://identitytheft.i-know.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Ducat
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Your-Credit-Card-Info-Can-Be-Stolen-By-Identity-Thieves&id=461414
By Joseph Ducat
There are a number of situations when you are vulnerable to having your credit card information stolen by credit card thieves. Here are a few of them and how to avoid getting victimized.
Buying Gas - There have been cases where hackers have planted a software “bug” in a gas station machine used to process the credit card payments. The bug then captures any credit card information that is entered. It is not known how widespread this kind of crime is, but a number of cases have been recorded. There is no way for you to tell whether the credit card machine has a bug in it or not. The problem is in the software inside which you cannot see. If you are concerned that your credit card information can be stolen this way, and want to play it safe, then your best approach would be to pay for gas in cash. It is also safer to pay with a gas card rather than using a credit card.
Dining at a Restaurant - Most waiters and waitresses will not be out to steal your credit card information, but if any of them do, there are a number of ways that they can do it. In the first place, if a waiter takes your credit card to bring to the cashier, there is a chance that he may take the credit card information when the card is not in your view, possibly by using an electronic device known as a skimmer. Also, sometimes you may be given a card that is not yours, but looks similar, leaving your card behind where it can be vulnerable to identity thieves. This is a less likely approach as it is easily discovered, but nevertheless, you should always check to see whether the credit card you get back is actually yours. And mistakes are always possible. If you do not want to let your credit card out of your sight, then you should just go to the cashier to make your payment, no matter what other people in the restaurant may think.
Paying at the Cashier - There are email stories about people who pay with a credit or debit card, and the person taking it secretly takes a picture of the card using a camera phone. Although the stories may not be true, such a scam is at least technologically possible. You should always be alert when you are paying with a credit card. Take care that no one nearby is stealing glances at your credit card. Don’t bother to look for a camera--if it is there, you will not see it anyway. Instead, wait for the cashier to ask for your payment and hand it directly to him or her. Don’t just place it on the counter. And don’t let the card out of your sight. Make sure you can see what the cashier is doing with your card.
What Steps Can You Take To Prevent Identity Fraud? Find out with the articles on identity theft available at http://identitytheft.i-know.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Ducat
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Your-Credit-Card-Info-Can-Be-Stolen-By-Identity-Thieves&id=461414
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