Archive for October, 2009

Types of Credit Cards Available

Gold Credit Cards

A Gold credit card offers a larger line of credit (usually $5,000 and more) than a standard or gold card, and also provide extra benefits or incentives like accident insurance, auto rental insurance and different fraud and security protection services to cardholders. The acceptance of such a card depends on the card provider. Some providers give Gold credit card to their customers to purchase products and services from their own online shopping centers while some others allow them to purchase online and off line worldwide. The common credit card providers are Visa and MasterCard and are accepted worldwide. Restrictions and interest rates of such credit cards are high when compare with that of online shopping (can purchase from their online shop only) Gold card providers.

Features of Gold cards

  • $5000 and more credit line
  • No employment verification
  • Gift cards and discount vouchers
  • Free credit limit increase
  • No credit check
  • No income requirements
  • Free access to credit reports

The main requirements to qualify for a Gold credit card –

  • Applicant must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must have a valid USA checking or saving account
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Processing charges and fees

The processing and operating charges of these Gold cards are comparatively low. There are no hidden charges and penalties. All the Gold cards are come with a fixed credit line and after seeing the punctuality of the card holders in payment program an increase in credit limit will happen. The payment is equal to the purchase cost of all goods purchased by the account holder. But the above mentioned features will change according to the card providers.


Platinum Credit Cards

Today the popularity and need of a credit card is much more than ever. This payment card is useful to book a train or plain ticket, purchase a product online and offline. There are different types of credit cards according to the maximum credit line offered. A platinum credit card offers a larger line of credit (usually $7,500 and more) than a standard or gold card, and also provide extra benefits or incentives to cardholders. The acceptance of such a card depends on the card provider. Some providers give platinum credit card to their customers to purchase products and services from their own online shopping centers while some others allow them to purchase online and off line worldwide. The common credit card providers are Visa and MasterCard and are accepted worldwide. Restrictions and interest rates of such credit cards are high when compare with that of online shopping (can purchase from their online shop only) platinum card providers. Many card providers give accident insurance, auto rental insurance and different fraud and security protection services.

The main requirements to qualify for a platinum credit card –

  • Applicant must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must have a valid USA checking or saving account
  • A U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Features of Platinum cards

  • Free credit limit increase
  • No credit check
  • No income requirements
  • No employment verification
  • Gift cards and discount vouchers

The processing and operating charges of these platinum cards are comparatively low. There are no hidden charges and penalties. All the platinum cards are come with a fixed credit line and after seeing the punctuality of the card holders in payment program an increase in credit limit will happen. The payment is equal to the purchase cost of all goods purchased by the account holder. But the features will change according to the card providers.

ATM Debit Cards

Most banks issue debit cards to promote their services. An ATM Debit Card is a payment card that is linked directly to a customer’s bank account. Debit Card is an upgraded ATM card and is also known as a “check cards”. This is a two- in-one card. A customer can use it for money withdrawal (works simply as an ATM card) and for purchases (works as a credit card). Some merchants admit debit cards and treat them equivalent to cash. The main difference between a credit card and debit card is – in credit card purchase, money is loaned to the buyer by the card issuer (and he has to pay it within a particular pre-assigned period) and in debit card purchase, the price will cut directly from the account al most immediately. Most commonly the Debit cards are issued by Visa or MasterCard.

Features of Debit Card

  • Valid worldwide.
  • Uses to make purchases at millions of outlets worldwide.
  • Used for cash withdrawal at ATMs worldwide.
  • Getting a debit card is very easy
  • Personal information will never seen by others as in the case of checks
  • No need to carry checkbook or cash in hands.
  • It is widely accepted by merchants than checks.
  • It is a quick, “pay now” product.
Debit card is an alternative to use cash or write a check and it controls the spending. The customers need not pay any interest as in the case of credit cards. This increases the debit card’s popularity. The customer can use the debit card where there is a logo same as that in his card. In order to qualify for a debit card, one must have a checking account and above 18 years of age. Many tips are needed to consider while using the ATM Debit cards.

Posted by admin on October 28th, 2009 No Comments

Buy New Property in Cheap Rates

Buying a home or property is one of the most important investments one makes and it needs cautious consideration. One needs to know the rules, regulations and legalese before venturing into real estate buying. The basic facts that affect the purchase of a home are -

* Price
* Location
* Old or New
* Flat or House
* Freehold or leasehold

Following are some of the steps including when buying a property.

* In depth Planning
* Find a reliable lender
* Survey or valuation of the property by the lender
* Pricing negotiations
* Finalization of mortgage offer.
* Exchange contracts
* Completion and payment

Real estate agents play a vital role in property purchase. Their job is to help the buyers to find a property that fits their requirements and budgets. Sometimes, they help their clients secure a home loan for the purchase. It is their role to coordinate the closure between the client, the lender and the seller. Make sure that any person in the business of buying, selling, leasing or dealing with real estate holds a estate agent’s license, or be employed by a licensed estate agent as an agent’s representative. Many of the real estate agencies are incorporated with a group of lenders too.

Posted by admin on October 23rd, 2009 No Comments

TAX and IRS

IRS Tax Debt

The IRS is an agency of the Department of the Treasury and one of the world’s most professional tax administrators. IRS tries to provide a quality service to the taxpayers of America. They help people to understand the tax responsibilities and trying to apply the law of tax with reliability and equality. But some times people refuse to pay the tax at time. It leads to bitter tax problem. This crisis will badly affect their credit rating. The importance of credit rating forces the people to think about a debt elimination plan. The main methods IRS use to catch the tax debts are-

* Tax Levies
* Tax Liens
* IRS Wage Garnishment
* IRS Installment Agreement

There are thousands of agencies provide help to eliminate the tax problem effectively. They help to save more money and at the same time solve state or IRS tax problems within a shortest period. The service offerings include -

* IRS Tax debt settlement
* Stopping of IRS Payroll Levy
* Finish IRS Tax Levies and Tax Liens
* Eliminate IRS Tax Penalties
* Organize realistic Payment Plans
* Free Initial Tax Consultation
* Satisfaction assurance

The Offer in Compromise is the easiest and most successful way of reducing your IRS tax debt. If you are eligible for the offer in compromise, you have to pay only a fraction of the tax amount you currently owe. Once your OIC is accepted, the IRS will not come back and increase the interest rate or penalties. The tax problem solvers try to minimize the chance of criminal prosecution and forced tax collection by the IRS agencies. They will reconstruct the economic information of the clients in the situation when the customer has lost his tax records. They propose many tax installment plans that help the taxpayers to pay their tax in easy installments.

File Returns

Tax Return is the common terminology used for filing of taxes to be paid to a state, local or Internal Revenue Service containing information o calculate income tax or other taxes. The tax return comprises of gross income, deductions, tax credits and tax due. There are three types of forms are generally used to file the tax return. They are

* Form 1040 – for individuals
* Form 1120 – for Corporations
* Form 1065 – for partnership

The income limits for not filing (if the taxable income, after taking all deductions is zero, then there is no need to file the tax return) differ along with the age and possible filing status. The limits are a little higher for citizens 65 and older, so that seniors can earn a little more before they’re required to file.

If the taxpayer

- is single and under 65, the income limit before he has to file is $7,950. If single and over 65, the limit is $9,150.

- is married, and file jointly, and both spouses are under 65, the limit is $15,900. If one spouse is 65, the limit’s $16,850. If both spouses are at least 65, the limit’s $17,800.

Income tax returns for calendar year taxpayers are due by April 15 of the next year, or by the following Monday if April 15 is a Sunday.

If you are unable to pay before the due date:

* File the return and pay the maximum that you can by April 15 to reduce your penalty.
* Arrange a payment plan with the IRS
* Continue to make payments until you receive the bill.

There are lots of practical reasons to file tax returns. Filing tax returns and paying the right amount of tax is good citizenship. In the time of buying a home or financing a business, copies of filed returns are a must. Higher education loans also need the same to qualify. Retirement, disability benefits, medical & industrial insurance and unemployment compensation are based on the reported income.

Tax Refunds

Tax refund is the amount the taxpayer receives at the end of the reporting year since taxes were overpaid for that year. After the required processing, the tax payer will get back that amount. Most of the time, there is a delay in tax refund from IRS.

The main reasons for delayed tax refunds are-

* Incorrect mailing address
* Change in mailing address
* Mistakes in tax returns

If a Tax Refund check is returned as undeliverable, IRS will try to get a correct address for the taxpayer. If successful, the Tax Refund check is issued again. If new address is not available, the Tax Refund check is returned to the U.S. Treasury. IRS’s policy is to credit any amount due to returns filed during the succeeding three years. But if no returns are filed, the account lapses and is removed from the active master file. The IRS gives the tax refund only after it ensures that the tax returns are accurate. If you file entire and accurate tax return and you are owed a refund, you will get it in the following manner.

* If you file electronically and opt to receive refund using Direct Deposit, you will get it within 2 weeks after the date of acceptance.

* If you file electronically and you receive your refund through U.S. Mail, you will get it within 4 weeks after the date of acceptance.

* If you file using U.S. Mail, you will get it within 6 weeks from the date the IRS receives your return.

The taxpayer will get the “IRS e-file Refund Cycle Chart” from the authorized web site of the IRS. It takes a minimum of 3-4 weeks to get back the tax refund. Improvements in technology help the taxpayers to do tax refund processing online. By giving the Social Security Number or IRS unique Taxpayer Identification Number, Filing status and refund amount one can get his refund status. Many tax service teams provide efficient service to the taxpayers to get back their refund quickly and easily. Many of the agencies arrange it through refund loans also knownas Refund Anticipation Loans.

Posted by admin on October 21st, 2009 No Comments

Consumer Credit Counseling

Consumer credit counseling services (CCCS) are provided by non-profit agencies to resolve the debt problem of a consumer without bankruptcy. This method uses a mediator to negotiate with the creditors. Non- profit organization run by means of government grants but a few organizations do charge a nominal fee.

Benefits of Consumer Credit Counseling

*Reduce monthly payments and interest rates
*Creditors stop late fees and over-the-limit fees
*Bringing your credit report current
*Help to resolve all unsecured debts
*Monthly payment option suits consumer budget
*Offer community outreach programs

Posted by admin on October 21st, 2009 No Comments

Mortgage Refinance Loans

With falling interest rates, previous home loan customers can save thousands of dollars by opting for mortgage refinance. The main advantages of mortgage refinance are -

*Get a new loan with lower interest rate
*Lower monthly payments
*Take cash out of home equity

Refinancing a mortgage typically involves allowing a loan company to pay off the original home loan in return for the customer signing a loan contract with them. The penalty costs of paying off the mortgage or loan, the cost to appraise the home, related legal costs, closing costs and settlement fees are the factors that need consideration when one is opting for a mortgage refinancing plan.

Following are the various circumstances where refinancing mortgage can actually save money

*Refinancing the higher interest rate loans with lower interest rate loans if the terms of the loans are similar and the new rate is lower than the existing rate.

*Refinancing the secured debts such as mortgage or car loan if the new loan is for the same term or shorter than the old one and the interest rate on the new loan is considerably lower than the interest rate on the present loan.

* Refinancing the home to eliminate the expensive car loans or credit cards.

Posted by admin on October 17th, 2009 No Comments