Credit Card Rates

Credit Card Rates have remained stable due to the Fed remaining steady on interest rates. There was the thought that the Fed was preparing to drop the interest rates, but in light of recent financial news that suggests a hotter US business market than though, the rates will most likely stay the same or even be raised the next time the Feds meet.

If the rates are raised then credit card rates will be quick to follow.

Morgage Rates Continue to Rise

Mortgage rates have risen again in what is normally a slow Holiday week. The rates rose 3 basis points to a 6.23 national average. Rates have risen slightly over the past few weeks
[ Read More on Mortgage Rates ]

Westchester.com – Tips On Buying And Using Gift Cards

Our friends over at Westchester.com offer some great tips on buying gift cards for Christmas.

Sometimes, in fact, cash is a better gift, according to Gary Brown, director of the Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection. “Cash may not seem as ‘personal’ as a gift card, but cash doesn’t expire, there are no fees and people who receive a gift of cash tend to spend only that amount. Ten percent of gift cards end up going unused, which is why merchants love them.”

This post recommend you looking at the type of cards, fees, and expirations date.

Best Credit Cards for Consumers

Credit-Land.com is a group that keeps an eye on various credit cards for the consumer by analyzing and ranking cards that offer some of the best values to customers. A combination of credit card benefits, credit card costs and consumer protection features are used to form the credit card rankings.

  • Discover Card Platinum – named the 2006 Holiday Shopping Credit Card of the Year, nationwide, features no annual fee, zero dollar fraud liability, a generous 5 percent cash back and a 25 day grace period, a low interest rate, zero percent introductory rate and a $15 dollar late fee for balances under $500. [Read more...]
  • Credit cards for entrepreneurs | Reuters.com

    Source: Credit cards for entrepreneurs

    As small-business owners continue to embrace credit cards as a source of start-up funding, financial institutions are taking notice — with a number of new cards designed for entrepreneurs. Following the launch of its first small business card earlier this year, Detroit-based Comerica Bank introduced two more cards on Monday. Both are specifically designed to complement business owners’ credit-based, frequent-travel lifestyle.

    The MasterCard Platinum Business Rewards Card carries no annual fee and earns cardholders a point for each dollar charged. The MasterCard Business Travel Rewards Card has a $55 annual fee, but earns cardholders two points for each dollar spent on travel and lodging.

    Housing and car markets may spark credit crunch 

    For U.S. consumers and companies, the era of easy access to cash may be ending. While innovation in corporate credit has helped home buyers with checkered debt records buy houses and kept company default rates at historic lows, the first signs of a coming credit crunch are emerging in the housing market. “A weak housing market can tighten credit constraints and raise the overall costs of consumer finance,” said Suzanne Mistretta, an analyst with Derivative Fitch. “The housing market and financial health of the consumer will be the focus” in 2007. Source: Reuters

    Home Buyers Facing Higer Credit Report Costs

    The Seattle Times Reports that home buyers will now face higher charges due to Experian and Equifax changing the rules and how much is charged when mortgage brokers shop rates for their customers.

    Home buyers and refinancers face higher fees for credit reports beginning Jan. 1 — a price boost that has mortgage, credit-industry and consumer-group leaders fuming.

    This will amount to $100 – $200 more per home buyer which doesn’t seem like a lot, but when home buyers are already pushed to the limit ever dollar counts.