Home | Free Articles | Links |
Did You Know That The Average American Household Has 13 Payment Cards — Including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, And Store Cards? Plus, There Are 1.3 Billion Payment Cards In Circulation In The United States Right Now. And, On Average, Americans Carry About $5,800 In Credit Card Debt Month To Month. If One Were To Make Only The Minimum Payment On That Debt Each Month, It Would Take 30 Years To Pay Off — Including An Additional $15,000 In Interest. Welcome To DebtConsolidationSite.com. We'll Provide You With Articles, Tips, And Tools That Will Help You Regain Control Of Your Credit. As you explore this site, you'll discover...
What Your Banker Won't Tell You About Debt Consolidation
Hot: Which Is Better -- Consolidation Or Bankruptcy?
How To Consolidate Without Damaging Your Credit Score
Can You Really Get Credit After Using A Debt Service?
Remember... If You Are Looking For Quality Information, Add This Site To Your Favorites Right Now, As We Update It Daily With The Latest News And Information. Enjoy The Site.

Everything You Must Know About Debt Consolidation Loan Rates, Student Loan Debt Consolidation, Debt Consolidation Mortgage Loans, Credit Card Debt Consolidation Loans, And Debt Consolidation Loans For People With Bad Credit.

'Debt Consolidation' line
Latest 'Debt Consolidation' Related Articles
Cardinal Principle Of Homeowner Personal Loans – It Is A Solution For Any Sort Of Financial Funding
You bought a house and you were promoted to the position of a homeowner. It was perhaps the most important decision of your life. Now you are taking......
Continue Reading

Understanding Debt Consolidation Loans
Debt consolidation loans can help you with many of your bills and reduce your payment into one low monthly payment. Before you decide to take this......
Continue Reading

Christmas Loans – A Gift on the Occasion of Christmas
It is still a few weeks to Christmas and every one is already up with demands. Little Mary, ever eager to add to her collection of dolls, wants the......
Continue Reading

Looking for more 'Debt Consolidation' related articles?


The easy way to get control of your debt...
 

» Why Sentencing Your Credit Cards To Exile Isn't The Wisest Move

» Why credit cards can be a problem

» Website ranks the best credit cards for new graduates

» The Best Cash Back Credit Cards, May 2012




Credit Card Debt – Watch Your Credit Report and Your Bill

Author: Charles Essmeier


Most consumers are aware of the importance of their credit report. This document, offered to consumers and lenders by the three major credit bureaus, offers a fairly complete list of financial transactions and debts incurred by a consumer. Lenders examine the report, along with the associated FICO score, to determine whether a consumer is worthy of receiving additional credit or loans. What many consumers may not know is that credit card companies regularly check their credit reports, and unfavorable entries may result in a higher interest rate on their credit cards.

We have previously noted that many credit card companies employ something known as a “universal default clause” in their terms of service. This clause allows the company to raise interest rates on the customer’s card if the customer pays bills late. A late payment to the phone company could result in a higher interest rate on the Visa card. Most companies also allow themselves the latitude to raise their customers’ interest rates for any reason at all. With this in mind, the credit card companies tend to run occasional credit checks on their customers, often raising rates if they notice any activity that, in their opinion, makes the customer a higher risk. This might happen even if the customer has a history of paying his or her credit card bills on time.

The sorts of things that may create a “risky” client include taking out additional loans, additional credit cards, or building balances on existing cards to at or near their limits. The companies justify this activity by saying that consumers who do these things create greater risk for the lender, and these costs must be passed on to all of their customers. The problem for the customer is that these higher interest rates are often assigned without warning. The new rate applies to existing balances, too. An interest rate hike today could mean that the television you bought last fall has suddenly become more expensive.

What can consumers do? Keep an eye on your credit card bill and your credit report. You can receive a copy of your credit report, for free, at http://www.annualcreditreport.com. As for your credit card bill, watch the interest rate. If it abruptly changes to a higher rate, call your credit card issuer and ask them about it. They will often reduce the rate if you call and complain. If not, your only option may be to shop around for another card.

About the Author

©Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including End-Your-Debt.com, a site devoted to establishing credit, debt consolidation and credit counseling.

Article Keywords:
'Debt Consolidation'


Note from the publisher


Recently, an interesting email came across my desk. I'll paste it below. Check it out...


Dear Anthony-

HELP I am in over my head and I obviously need help. I owe just over $12,000 on two credit cards.  I know in the past you recommend debt consolidation.  But, I have read about of the SCAM artists out there.   Is there someone I can talk to that you recommend?     -Dan, New York


There are a lot of things to watch out for when it comes to debt consolidation.  I have a company I wholeheartedly recommend to others in need of help.  I find them fair, easy, and they don’t use “high-pressure” tactics. Press the link below to check them out now.

Everything You Must Know About Debt Consolidation Loan Rates, Student Loan Debt Consolidation, Debt Consolidation Mortgage Loans, Credit Card Debt Consolidation Loans, And Debt Consolidation Loans For People With Bad Credit.