Credit Card Companies Do Not Have Your Best Interest In Mind

Once you have found yourself saddled with extensive credit card debt you may want to check to see if you have been had by your credit card companies. They have been known to utilize several tricks such as fluctuating interest rates, finance charges, and extra fees. Be sure to read the fine print in your credit card contract as most will include a general default clause that will allow your credit card company to raise your interest rates without notice and sometime for no particular reason at all.

The interest rate can be increased due to late payments, taking on additional debt that your credit card company may think is risky, and even applying for other loans. Your grace period for repayment may be shortened and if you are late with your payment they may add finance charges or late payment fees to your bill. By shortening the grace period this leaves you with less time to make your payments, you can avoid late payments by paying your bill online which will be much quicker than using the postal service.

Always keep track of your due dates, most credit card companies will have very specific rules and regulations that govern your accounts. Read over these guidelines very carefully so you are aware when they will start to add extra charges and fees to your account. If you are late with a payment your account will be subject to late fees, higher interest and a negative entry on your credit report.

There are some actions that can be taken to avoid these extra charges and fees, if you are going to use the postal service be sure and mail your payment several days before the due date. Automatic payments can also be set up for your account thru the online services offered by your credit card company. By using this method your payments will always be ont time and even if you are charged extra for calling in your payment by phone, your interest rates will not increase and you will not be charged a late payment fee.

Most credit card applications will specify a fixed interest rate, but this does not mean that your interest rate will not change. It means that your creditors must notify you of any intended change in your interest rate. If your account is subject to interest rate increases and you carry a balance each month then your account will be subject to interest and finance charges that will also increase.

Making money is the main purpose of credit card companies, and they will use all kinds of tricks to help you pay them more money. If your creditor notifies you of an interest rate increase, then you should exercise your right to continue to pay your balance at the interest rate your are currently paying. You may need to close the account to avoid the interest rate increases, but by doing so you may also effect your credit score.

These are just a few of the things to be on the lookout for when dealing with credit card companies. By using common sense and being a little attentive to your accounts you can defend yourself and your credit score against the credit card companies. Keep in mind that most of the credit card contracts will favor the lender so be sure and read over the fine print before you sign anything. We are talking about your money so pay attention to your accounts and make sure you do not let the credit card companies turn you into a victim of their tricks of the trade.

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Comments

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 at 2:11 AM, by C. Wright
Hi,

You're correct. Credit card debt can be a tremendous burden and guess what, card companies aren't your friend. They prey on consumer ignorance. Ask 10 people what their true interest rate is, maybe 3 will know.

C. Wright, Financial Cancer Specialist
GoodCreditApproval.com

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