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
Monday, April 30, 2007
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
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Credit Card Machines 802 Web
How Is Secure Debit Card Processing Done?
By Stephen Chua
There is a steady upward trend that more people are now using debit cards to make their purchase than ever before. Another indication is that many of the banks are providing their customers with a check card that is branded by a card association. They are also looking to provide them with ones that are backed by a debit network, which will provide customers with more flexibility with regard to payment options.
A debit card does not work the same way as a credit card with regard to payment. When a debit card is used for any purchase, the full amount of money spent is deducted from the bank account of the cardholder immediately. In some cases, the deduction may occur within a few days after the transaction is completed.
Debit cards are being processed using the chip and pin service. This is being used in many countries today and is strongly encouraged by many banks as a method of reducing cloned card fraud. In fact, in some countries, no longer will a customer be able to make a purchase without the use of a PIN. The Point of Sale terminal in use is also unable to read the chip on the debit card if a PIN is not entered prior to usage. In this respect, it is actually safer to use a debit card than credit card for your purchases.
There are many reasons today why so many merchants are looking for reliable companies which can provide them with secure debit card processing. In fact, there are plenty of companies offering this type of service at reasonable cost now. There are plenty of benefits to be had from using a secure debit card and below are just a few of them.
1. They will monitor and track any fraudulent transactions in order to minimize any potential losses to your business.
2. They provide assistance to resolve any disputed transactions.
3. Reputable and reliable debit card issuers will provide you with details of their fees and agreement terms.
4. They provide a business with clear and simple monthly statements of all debit card processing transactions made. These statements will be sorted by date or card type to enable a business owner to review them online.
5. They will provide chargeback and retrieval activity so that you can have a complete history of all your business past and current financial activities.
6. They provide concise information regarding deposits including both summaries and details, which will contain the date, debit and credit numbers as well as the amounts paid.
In summary, a debit card will enable the cardholder to make purchase in the same way as a credit card but the cost of purchase is charged directly to the holder's bank account. It provides the same convenience of a credit card without the risk of accumulating credit card debt.
Stephen Chua is the founder of FindCreditCardsInfo.com, where you can find more debit cards details. You can maintain tight control on your budget just by using a debit card. Apply for one today at http://FindCreditCardsInfo.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Chua
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Is-Secure-Debit-Card-Processing-Done?&id=482112
By Stephen Chua
There is a steady upward trend that more people are now using debit cards to make their purchase than ever before. Another indication is that many of the banks are providing their customers with a check card that is branded by a card association. They are also looking to provide them with ones that are backed by a debit network, which will provide customers with more flexibility with regard to payment options.
A debit card does not work the same way as a credit card with regard to payment. When a debit card is used for any purchase, the full amount of money spent is deducted from the bank account of the cardholder immediately. In some cases, the deduction may occur within a few days after the transaction is completed.
Debit cards are being processed using the chip and pin service. This is being used in many countries today and is strongly encouraged by many banks as a method of reducing cloned card fraud. In fact, in some countries, no longer will a customer be able to make a purchase without the use of a PIN. The Point of Sale terminal in use is also unable to read the chip on the debit card if a PIN is not entered prior to usage. In this respect, it is actually safer to use a debit card than credit card for your purchases.
There are many reasons today why so many merchants are looking for reliable companies which can provide them with secure debit card processing. In fact, there are plenty of companies offering this type of service at reasonable cost now. There are plenty of benefits to be had from using a secure debit card and below are just a few of them.
1. They will monitor and track any fraudulent transactions in order to minimize any potential losses to your business.
2. They provide assistance to resolve any disputed transactions.
3. Reputable and reliable debit card issuers will provide you with details of their fees and agreement terms.
4. They provide a business with clear and simple monthly statements of all debit card processing transactions made. These statements will be sorted by date or card type to enable a business owner to review them online.
5. They will provide chargeback and retrieval activity so that you can have a complete history of all your business past and current financial activities.
6. They provide concise information regarding deposits including both summaries and details, which will contain the date, debit and credit numbers as well as the amounts paid.
In summary, a debit card will enable the cardholder to make purchase in the same way as a credit card but the cost of purchase is charged directly to the holder's bank account. It provides the same convenience of a credit card without the risk of accumulating credit card debt.
Stephen Chua is the founder of FindCreditCardsInfo.com, where you can find more debit cards details. You can maintain tight control on your budget just by using a debit card. Apply for one today at http://FindCreditCardsInfo.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Chua
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Is-Secure-Debit-Card-Processing-Done?&id=482112
Tuesday, April 10, 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
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
Monday, April 9, 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
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
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