Information About Credit Cards and Your Credit Score
Getting your first credit card can be a really exciting event, but knowing
how to use credit without abusing it will last you a lifetime.
You have to understand that credit cards are not free money -- they are
actually loans that will become a monthly payment as soon as you make
that first purchase. That monthly payment can quickly get out of control
when interest and other fees are added to your payment. Learn how to
obtain, wisely use, and control your credit with help from these sites.
If you decide to get a credit card, there is one thing you should really
do first: go shopping. That's right, shopping. Credit card offers may
all look the same to you, but before you sign on the dotted line, you
should do a little investigating to make sure you're getting the best
card for you. Choosing a credit card isn't easy, but you can find some
really great information to get you started at Federal Reserve Bank:
Choosing a Credit
Card.
The
Federal Reserve's new rules for credit card companies mean new
credit card protections for you. Here are some key changes you should
expect from your credit card company beginning on February 22, 2010.
The Federal Trade Commission
protects consumers and provides great information on everything from
preventing fraud to unfair business practices.
At
myFICO, you can find out how your score affects you, your credit and
identity theft, and many other topics related to your credit and credit
score.
Even if you do not have your own credit card or a loan, you may already
have a credit history.
AnnualCreditReport.com helps you fight identity theft by monitoring
and reviewing your credit report. The site allows you to request a free
credit file disclosure (or credit report) once every 12 months for each
of the national credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and
TransUnion.