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Credit Card User Types
[September 23, 2008]
In the busy rhythm of present-day life people often feel lost in the mass of credit card deals offered on the market. If you want to find the most suitable application, it is important to work out what type of credit card user you are. Banks divide all customers into two groups - "revolvers" and "transactors". They have different financial habits, so they will benefit from different credit card features and terms. Read more about these types of users to understand where you lie and choose the credit card offer that fits your way of life and spending pattern.
Many customers don't realize that credit cards serve two main functions: making transactions and borrowing money. People who mainly use the first function are called transactors, those who mainly use the second function - revolvers, or borrowers. If you know your financial habits, you can significantly lower your borrowing costs and benefit from making purchases on your plastic.
If you already have a credit card, then it is relatively easy to analyze how you typically use it. Just review your credit card statements for the past year to work out how you spend money and repay it back.
If you are a first-timer, you need to be honest with yourself. Think about your spending and budgeting pattern and apply them to how you would manage your plastic.
Transactors - customers who primarily use their credit cards as a payment device. They eliminate their balance at the end of the billing cycle, so they don't pay interest.
Good choice: Consider credit cards with various rewards programs. With cash back rebates you can increase your budget. People who enjoy traveling will like air miles or hotel rewards credit cards that offer free flights, hotel accommodation and other travel-related incentives. If you see a serious impact on your expenses due to higher gas costs, take a close look at gasoline credit cards.
Pay attention to a grace period. It can range from 20 to 31 days. Choosing a credit card with a long grace period, you will have more time to pay off your debt in full.
Since transactors don't pay interest, it makes sense to take into consideration various credit card fees. If you apply for a plastic with no annual fee, you can you minimize your borrowing costs.
Revolvers (or Borrowers) - customers who use their credit cards to take out many mini-loans. They carry their balance from month to month, so they accumulate debt.
Revolvers are favorite customers of credit companies. They typically make minimum monthly payments only, so they pay the full whack of interest for a long time.
Good choice: Focus on low interest rates. It will help you reduce your finance charge and pay off your debt sooner. It is not the initial borrowed amount of money that takes you so much time to eliminate your debt, but the interest that you have to pay on that amount.
If you want to put a freeze on your interest payments, consider credit cards with zero APR on balance transfers. You simply open a new plastic and ask the lender to shift your debt onto it. However, keep in mind that the interest-free period is limited - from 6 to 15 months. Afterwards you will need to pay the regular APR.
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