Answers
I have a pretty poor credit score, probably around 649. I currently have about $8000.00 of credit card debt with high interest rates around 28%. Is there any type of credit card I could do a balance transfer to from these cards into one that has a lower interest rate?Also, I tried credit counseling and they could only lower some of my cards and not all, I tried talking to the creditors but they keep raising the APR and wont lower it back down. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
You can use this credit monitoring service to pre-estimate future scores for different scenarios of such payments - buildcredit.ifastnet.com
Ways to consolidate credit card debt include using balance transfers and contacting a credit union or bank for loans. Condense credit card debt ...
I'm looking to do a balance transfer. I have other cards, but they don't have any good offers on them, and I need a new card anyway just as a backup. I've been looking at Citi cards. What is the best one for general shopping (basic retail, groceries, gas, etc.) that is an all-around general card but that has 12 months no interest? Also, I've looked around on some websites...and I can't help but to notice that a consistently common amount of people with certain Citi cards seem to have higher credit limits than other people with different cards. I know that typing in the balance transfer info at the start can sometimes get you a little bit higher credit limit in general for the new card. Income and credit history also can affect this. I have a great credit history, and a credit score of about 750+ at least. Which Citi cards (if any, this is theoretical) start out with better/higher credit limits? Also, I'm looking for a Visa...not Mastercard.
Are there any other major companies that I'm missing? I've already got Bank of America, AmEx, and Discover already. I've had Chase (HSBC bank) in the past...they were horrible and I cancelled a long time ago. I don't know a lot about Citi. Any other good companies? I know that all usually charge a balance transfer/transaction fee for doing so, but this will save me a ton of interest in the long run.
Umm...if you don't know what you're talking about, please do not "point game" on my question. I can't stand that and will report every single person that gives some goofy and non-related opinionated answer or link to some silly credit counseling website. I am not 'in debt'...I pay my bills just fine, so I don't need "credit counseling" links and the other stuff I have seen people post in other people's questions on here.
So...what would you recommend, then?
I get to differ with the other response-- I've been with Citi for about a year now. I started with them when they had a promotion going for 2.99% APR if you transfer the balance. The APR doesn't only count towards the balance I transfered, it also counts for any purchases I make. The best thing is, that APR stays the same for 2 years, as long as I don't miss any payments, etc.
Citi started me with a credit limit of $1600, since I was looking to transfer a balance of about $1400. Since then, they've been periodically raising my limit and I currently have a limit of $3000.
I have the Citi® Platinum Select® card. While the promotional offer has changed since I signed up, the one they have right now is really good, too. The current offer for that card is 0% APR on balance transfers and purchases for up to 12 months. You can find that card, and their other cards, https://www.citicards.com/cards/wv/showSearchResults.do?category=CC_EVERYDAY_VALUE.
I'm sure you've already looked at it, but their website is very helpful with the details on why each card is good for what, along with the promotional offers.
If you were looking for reassurance that Citicard is a good choice-- you've got my word. They're a wonderfully run company with great customer service. As rude as this sounds, I was VERY relieved the one time I had to call customer service to actually speak to someone who spoke perfect english.
I really want to get out of debt but don't know where to get started. Did some online searches but some of the websites are very confusing. I just need help getting started. I also spoke with a credit counseling company called "InCharge Debt Solutions" and they say they can get me out of debt in 25 months, which sounds great to me. My only concern is, will I be able to buy a home in the next few years, like I originally planned. I don' t want to completely destroy my credit, but I don't want to have to worry about high interest credit cards and debt. I also looked into low interest credit cards and 0 balance transfer type cards but cannot get approved for anything decent. So where do I go for help and what do I do? I really hope someone can help me out and give some good advice or some links on where to go to get started. I truly want to do this and still be able to purchase a home. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
So your ready to get our of debt. Great!!
Now the hard work begins.
Stay away for debt consolidation. It will not help.
You need to set a budget and start "paying yourself first"
Now list all your debts, total everything.
You have two lists : wants and needs
You now only spend money on needs. Needs include: Rent, Transportation, Food, Medical. That's it
and be honest to want a new car, but you only need transportation.
You want new shoes, but the old ones will do.
You want your Starbucks Coffee, but you'll get use to Folgers, made at home.
Take all you credit card and but then into a zip lock freezer bag, fill 1/2 full of water and put in your freezer.
Now pay then off minimum will not do. Pay the one with the highest interest rate first and work the next. Sorry NO FUN. But it will be fun when you are debt free.
then you can set a new budget where you save for new items and pay cash for them. Boy does that feel good.
Good luck and check out the web site to help you along.
www.clarkhoward.com
So short-version- I recently discovered that my husband has secretly charged up many thousands of dollars on my back-up credit card (which I thought had a 0 balance) by transferring the charges over from his credit card onto this one, since it has a higher credit availability. He says that he hasn't wrung up any further debt anywhere else, but it's hard to believe him, since he lied about this debt, and has done something similar a few years ago. Is there a way I can check and make sure he hasn't opened up another credit card in his name, taken out a bank loan, taken out a 2nd mortgage on our house, etc. without my knowledge? Asking him isn't a realistic option, since he would lie IF he has done any of these things.
We are starting counseling, and we have 3 small children, so divorce is the last option. I just need a way to protect my children and myself from his possibly messing up our financial situation even more, and I need a way to check this other than just asking him. I obviously know to keep a close eye on the credit cards and bank accounts that I know of...I'm just worried that he has some hidden card, accounts, and/or loans and need to know how to find that out.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!!!
I would bring it up at counseling, pronto, that you want him to pull a copy of his credit report so you can see what is on there. Offer to do the same and let him see yours.
I have about $6500 in credit card debt. what's best? personal loan ...
I just graduated college and have a good part time job. I make pretty decent money and am trying to keep my bills low but I do have rent utilities and a phone bill. I dont know if I should transfer to a low interest card or 0% interest card for 12 months or get a personal loan or call credit counseling or what to do. I wont be able to make very big payments possibly up to 200 a month. My card right now has over $300 minimum payments. What should I do???? HELP! I was in the same situation. Over $30,000.00 in debt but had it paid off in less then 3 years. What you want to do is go through your credit card statements and organize them by highest interest rate to lowest interest rate. You want to get rid of the highest interest rate bills first. What I did was roll then over to another credit card but with a lower interest rate, no annual fee and no transfer fee. Same thing with your bank. See if they have low interest rate personal loans so you are able to pay off your credit cards.
...News
Next credit card bill may be startlingThe News-Press - Feb 23, 2010
Washington PostAnd, while digging through the fine print, customers may also find other things they need to know, such as higher balance transfer costs and increasing Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act kicks in MondayHow we pay with plastic will change Monday with new credit card rulesPlastic less elastic with credit card changes - -all 2,029 news articles »
BigNews.biz (press release) - Feb 24, 2010
Live-PR.com (press release)At CC2, our team of professional experts has a custom built program that could enable you to avail bad credit debt consolidation counseling services. Credit Card Debt Consolidation Loans Consolidate Credit Cards To Get Rid Of Debtsall 68 news articles »
HULIQ - Jan 30, 2010
Debt Management At Today's Credit Card RatesSearching for the right credit card requires reading the fine print on all credit card agreements. While that 0% interest on balance transfers sounds great, and more »Beaver County Times - Feb 07, 2010
“In general, it's positive for the consumer,” said Kristen Garrett, a public relations coordinator for the nonprofit Advantage Credit Counseling Service in and more »Monterey County Herald - Feb 21, 2010
More cards also are imposing annual fees, increasing balance-transfer fees, moving from fixed interest rates to variable rates and cutting rewards and bonus and more »BigNews.biz (press release) - Feb 11, 2010
For population with reasonably good credit scores (above 620), can think come seal the option of balance transfer. For instance, a person with a credit card and more »BigNews.biz (press release) - Feb 06, 2010
For people with reasonably good credit scores (above 620), can think about the option of balance transfer. For instance, a person with a credit card with and more »