Marketing gimmicks are pretty popular right now. Issuers have to try to separate themselves from the pack. |
More and more companies are unwilling to promise a rate until they've checked your credit. |
One seemingly small mistake - that most people don't think of as anything - can have ramifications far beyond what seems legal to most people. But it is legal. |
Sending people a check is a totally deceptive way to sell a product. If you want to sell a product, send a nice brochure explaining why it's a good deal. You shouldn't have to trick people into buying it. |
The crime is definitely on the increase and it shows no sign of stopping. It's a frightening thing. |
The factors cited by card issuers are very broad. It appears that anyone - not just people in financial difficulties - could be subjected to a much higher rate for very insignificant reasons. |
These plans can be a hassle to use. You have to dial seven digits before the number you wish to call for a total of 18 numbers. |
They can be tempting but they have very, very high interest rates, ... you pay as you go. |
They know the parents will bail out the kids if they get in trouble. |
They may have a great price for Mexico, but a terrible rate for someplace else. |
They might also give you your credit score. They'll give you free copies of your credit report every year, and they also offer insurance against identity theft. |
They'll let you know if somebody opens credit, so you can go out, backtrack, alert law enforcement authorities... |
Think about it. It you're getting back a 5 percent credit on your gasoline, but you're paying them 15 percent on your balance, it's going to cancel out any credit that you might be making. |
To me, having a good card with a low rate that doesn't zap you with late fees is a better way to go than all of the gimmick cards. |
Using 10-10s to call internationally can be a bargain if you are careful about monthly fees, ... Many of the pre-subscribed international calling plans offered to residential customers by primary carriers have somewhat higher rates and charge a monthly fee. |