Best Travel Credit Card in India 2014 : Things To know

Travel is one of the best teachers in the world, and that’s true to a great extent. You can learn from books and people around you, but travelling around the country or the world for that matter can lead to eye-opening experiences. Your horizons are broadened and your outlook to life can change drastically. Many Indians have realized that first hand as they have taken to travelling more than ever before. They are travelling to uncharted territories and making new experiences that stay with them for a lifetime.

But there are some travel related experiences that you have to think about even before you set off. The expenses you have to take care of during your holiday are going to be an important concern for you. Carrying large amounts of cash to foreign places or anywhere in India is not a smart solution. Thankfully now you have the option of getting a Travel Credit Card, which is created for this specific purpose. You might be travelling within the country or to a foreign destination; you will have the right card for your needs. But before you use these cards to your advantage you need to know more about them.

Types of cards you can get for your travel

Travel Credit Cards are broadly divided into two categories; General and Specific Travel cards. In the case of the former, you can earn points for everything you spend on during your holiday. If you are not particular about the brands you are going to associate with when travelling, then this card makes sense. Specific Travel Card on the other hand is co-branded with hotel chains and lets you pile on your reward points by staying at certain accommodation options. It’s the right option for travellers who have loyalty towards certain brands.

It makes your journey hassle free

Using a travel card for your holiday ensures that your journey is free of any hassles because you don’t have to carry cash but can still spend anywhere, any time. Importantly, your purchasing power is increased on your holiday and you have the luxury of buying anything you want on your travel. Using a card also ensures that you know the amount you have spent because you can keep your invoices for future reference. Thus you can make your payments in a secure manner and get yourself much needed peace of mind.

Choosing the best card for your travel

If you have decided to use a travel card for your holiday then you must be looking for the Best Travel Credit Card you can find in the market. Today there are many companies that are offering these cards to holidaymakers. It’s a good idea to think about the company’s reputation before getting a card from it. The interest rate you are going to be charged should also be at the back of your mind and you need to pick the card based on your specific requirements as well.

Travel cards are a big boon to travellers and it’s up to you to make the most out of them.

If you are concerned about how to get a Credit Card, the lot of banks has introduced a convenient “Credit Card Apply Online” system and so, you can apply for it on line. You can route your application through reputed sites like BankBazaar.com also. Once you submit the required documents, the bank verifies them and issues the card very quickly. The point is that the card issuing process of the bank has been completely streamlined and hence, you can get your card sooner than you expect.
 

Related :

Best credit cards for shopping in India 2014
Credit and debit card offers

Read more ...

Standard Chartered Credit Card offers on jewellery

Buying can be stress free and pleasurable when you have a credit card at hand more so, if your card hails from a bank like Standard Chartered where every product is designed to suit user requirement perfectly to the ‘T’. Options to suit patron needs too are countless here and rewards for using a card, many. A smooth swipe and a smoother transaction further ensures that you are always ahead with your purchase and your buying sprees are supported with the best in offers and deals. 

Here are some great offers on jewellery to enjoy if you are using a Standard Chartered credit card for transaction.

Offers are aplenty at Standard Chartered

Standard Chartered showers great offers on its credit card customers. As for jewellery, the bank partners with some of the most notable names in the jewel industry and collaborates with them to offer awesome rewards and discounts to the buyers when they buy the glitz.

Latest promotional offers

Standard Chartered has the Dazzle & Shine offer on jewelry purchase going on at this moment for jewelry purchased from select outlets with credit card(s) issued by the bank in Sri Lanka. Many notable jewelers have been roped in for the scheme and there are interesting discounts and savings on offer for buyers. Most offer 5%-15% off on gold and silver jewelry with some offering a whopping 30% discount on diamond jewelry as well. Price cuts on watches, gold/silver coins and gift vouchers can also be availed by using Standard Chartered Credit cards in these outlets.

Standard Chartered also has a 360 Degree Rewards Scheme valid on select credit cards whereby points can be accumulated against transactions made on a card, which can then be redeemed for the gift of choice. Rewards vouchers from noted jewelers often find a place here amongst redemption options.

‘Kuch bhi on EMI’ from Standard Chartered is yet another favorable scheme for users of Standard Chartered Credit Card. This is a plan whereby card holders can buy items of significant worth through convenient EMIs, thus making transactions easier and more convenient for them. Buying is encouraged hereby and the burden of purchase is also waived off. Flexi-tenures and easy transaction conversions make the scheme highly attractive to customers. EMIs are however offered on eligibility basis. Calculation of monthly EMIs is possible through the EMI calculator offered on the bank page.

How to avail the offers?

Availing the offers on jewellery is easy if you have the required Standard Chartered credit card with you. If not, to get your Standard Chartered Credit Card apply online. The process is easy, simplified and secured.

• First you need to fill up the online form with some personal details
• Next you need to select your preferred card. This can be done in a few clicks after studying the features and comparing the benefits & rewards associated with each card
• Click & apply

Since June 2012, Standard Chartered has launched the country’s first direct online credit card sanction solution whereby it’s easy to apply and also know instantly whether the application has been approved or not. Application status can be checked online too.

Note : If you are concerned about how to get a Standard Chartered Credit Card, bank has introduced a convenient “Standard Chartered Credit Card Apply Online” system and so, you can apply for it on line. You can route your application through reputed sites like http://www.bankbazaar.com/standard-chartered-credit-card.html also. Once you submit the required documents, the bank verifies them and issues the card very quickly. The point is that the card issuing process of the bank has been completely streamlined and hence, you can get your card sooner than you expect.

Read more ...

Best Way to Use My New Credit Card ?

In today’s date, credit cards are quite essential. They not only make transactions smoother and more convenient but also offer the holder many rewards for using them. However, used unwisely this small piece of plastic can ruin the financial future of a person too. This is because a credit card – with the high credit limit that it reflects in general - can wrongly give the user an idea of being competent to afford purchases which he/she is actually not. And so, it can make things go awry than ever when the control is lost. 

 So here are some tips to avoid recklessness in card usage and use your new credit card smartly and wisely.

Understand the concept of ‘credit’ in your card

For a new plastic user, understanding the concept of ‘credit’ is important before embarking on the usage of a credit card. Your card is actually your route to an unsecured loan, which the bank provides you for your purchases. You will be required to pay it back at the end of the billing cycle, failing which, the financial implications that you will be inviting in the form of interest/penalty on your card will be catastrophic. Debt will start to accumulate heavily and the same will be damagingly reflected in your CIBIL score or Credit report.

Plan your purchase

This is important since you need to make smart decisions about buying things that you actually ‘need’ in your life, rather than just ‘want’. To use credit cards wisely –

• Do not use your card to buy everyday items like food, apparel and groceries.
• Plan your purchase before hitting a store so that you can avoid impulse shopping.
• Make purchases on your card that are influenced by automatic limit, like car fuel or your gym membership charges.

Pay your card bill in full

Paying the minimum on your card is possible at the end of every billing cycle but that’s not recommended. In actuality it just prolongs the amount of time you require to pay your debts off. In the process it also inflates the interest that you pay up every month. So yes, you need to pay off your bill in full every month to stop your card from becoming expensive.

If you can’t do this for any particular month, remember to keep your card away and not use it until you have paid off the outstanding dues in full.

Do not use your full credit limit

However big a credit limit your card flaunts, you must never use more than 30% of it. Your credit score depends a lot on the volume of debt that you are having. So, having a low debt amount here can help you nurture an excellent credit score. Low amount of debt is also easier to handle and repay than something bigger.

Last, but not the least, weigh up the interest rate offered in your card at regular intervals with current offers to be confident that your card is a good pick. Since it is the sole determinant of how much you shell out to carry forward a balance on your card, it should be low. If your bank is not ready to negotiate, for a friendlier rate on credit card apply online.

Read more ...

Standard Chartered Credit Card offers on Flipkart

Flipkart is one of the most coveted shopping websites in the cyber space and it has the best offers and deals on store. And you know what? If you have in your wallet a Standard Chartered Credit Card, the offers can become even smarter and sweeter for you. Why? Because using it can lead you to an additional discount of 10% cash back when you purchase products from the venue for Rupees 10000 or more. The offer is obtainable on all varieties of Standard Chartered credit cards and is valid over any flat discount that the site may be providing on the desired product(s) in any case.

 To be eligible for cash back

For any Flipkart order to become eligible for this cash back offer it is important to pay the price in full with your credit card from Standard Chartered and not use any other payment mode or Gift Voucher for the process.

The cash back offer on Flipkart for Standard Chartered credit card works in a streamlined manner. The steps are mentioned here.

Shop for products amounting to Rupees 10000

You need to log onto Flipkart.com and shop for products estimated at a value of Rupees 10000. Remember that the offer stands true for purchases made from any and all sellers across Flipkart.

Click on the ‘Payment Options’

Once you have completed your purchase and estimated the total value, you need to click on the ‘Payment Options’ window.

The ‘Secure Payment’ section anyway opens up after you finish loading your shopping cart and ‘Place Order’. From here, you continue stepwise, as directed, for completing the transaction and availing the discount. In between you verify your email information, confirm your shipping address and review your ‘order’ summary to reach the ‘Payment Options’ window.

Pick your option

Since you are interested in availing the cash back of 10% offered for Standard Chartered card holders making transactions above Rupees 10000 in Flipkart, you will need to click on the ‘Select Credit/Debit Card’ slot for making payment.

Key in your payment details

You will need to key in your Standard Chartered bank credit card details herein for paying the dues and availing the cash back offer. The cash back amount, i.e. 10% will be directly refunded back to the specified payment source within stipulated time.

Standard Chartered is one of the most progressive banks in the country and abroad in providing deals and discounts for credit card purchases to its customers. Applying for a card from the bank therefore can make your shopping sprees more exciting and rewarding in nature. To get fast Standard Chartered credit card apply online. You can do this straightaway from the bank website or apply through a reliable finance portal in the cyber platform. Filling up a form with certain professional and personal details can make you eligible for a credit card e-approval from the bank. Standard Chartered has the swiftest online card approval system in place and has been a forerunner in the field since 2012. You can get e-approved instantly and have your card processed within a few days.

For more information visit the given reference link - http://www.bankbazaar.com/standard-chartered-credit-card.html

Read more ...

ICICI Credit Card - Changing The Flow of Life

Credit cards are so widely used. Earlier they were just a handful of people who used to use credit cards; but now things are the other way around – there are just a handful of people who still don’t use these cards. People are realizing the convenience of carrying a credit card to make payments when they are out of money of when they are low on cash. Banks offer great benefits on their credit card services, which attracts more and more people to make use of cards. ICICI Credit cards come with some of the best benefits offered in the market.

icici credit card

 ICICI Bank offers their customers some special privileges to make their experience more exciting than it already is. They offer various tailor-made services exclusively to the customers who make use of their credit card services. The special benefits offered are made to suit the lifestyle and spending habits of their customers. They make sure you, the customer, have an experience which you will always remember. Here are a few of the privileges you will be entitled to if you get an ICICI Bank Credit Card -

1. They offer complimentary movie tickets so you can enjoy some of your favorite movies at their expense.
2. You will be entitled to some hand-picked privileges at various hotels and airlines across the world. Also, when you travel, whether on business or on a vacation; you will entitled to entry into exclusive airport lounges because of your ICICI credit card.
3. Enjoy a Golf experience by saving on green fees and also by obtaining additional rounds. All of this can be availed at some of the finest golf clubs in India and Abroad.
4. Experience wellness when you take a break now and then from every day’s mundane tasks. Make use of a number of complementary packages and some very refreshing offers at some of the finest places in your city and elsewhere.
5. Get a complimentary insurance cover. This will help you have peace of mind and enhance your life security.
6. Make use of a lot more offers which will be personalized to meet your lifestyle needs.

There are different types of credit cards offered by ICICI bank; you will certainly find one that fits your needs and lifestyle. Each of the specialized ICICI Bank credit cards comes with a lot of benefits and great experiences; some of which are mentioned right above.

You can find details of all the different types of credit cards on offer compare them according to your preferences and pick the one which you would want to apply for. Once you choose which type of credit card you want, you can apply online for your ICICI credit card. Since most of the work is done online, there would be no need of you to keep going to the bank till the work gets done. Once you apply online, your application will be processed and you will be contacted to bring in the required documents.

Read more ...

Using Your Indian Credit Cards Abroad: Things to Remember

An increasing number of Indians are traveling to foreign countries in recent years. There are many who want to treat themselves or their loved ones to a foreign holiday while others are business travelers who tend to fly to these destinations quite often. When you are traveling abroad you don’t want to carry huge amounts of cash to take care of your everyday expenses. That’s quite understandable and that’s where International cards come into the picture and offer you the cutting edge advantage.

Can I use my Indian Credit Card abroad is the question many are faced with before they embark on their travels. The answer to that question is a yes in case it’s a Visa or MasterCard that allows you to make transactions internationally. You are better off checking these details with your company to ensure that you are not short changed at the last minute. However another important question you need to ask yourself is what are the charges that will be involved in case you use your Indian card to buy or pay for things abroad. There are many who have ended up paying through their nose for these transactions, which is why it’s important to know more about them.

Additional charges when you use your card abroad

Using your Credit Cards in foreign destinations can definitely have its advantages but you have to remember that there are additional costs that are involved in many instances too. That’s because of the fees charged by the issuing bank and those from network service providers like VISA or MasterCard. These additional fees are applied because of the costs that are involved in currency conversion. Hence it’s important to make a note of that when you are drawing out your expenses for your holidays.

Understanding different types of extra charges in detail

Since you have an Indian card, your balance will be in rupees. However since you are spending abroad it will have to be converted into the desired currency, which is why there is a foreign currency conversion fee that you are charged. Around 2.5 to 3.5% of the total transaction amount is charged as Foreign Transaction Charge, which is irrespective of currency, cash withdrawal or the money you have spent. You are charged Cash advance fee back home, but the charges are much higher when you withdraw money overseas.

Choosing the right card to spend money abroad

If you tend to travel to foreign countries quite often then you have to think about the transaction and cash withdrawal fees you are charged before applying for a card. Pay attention to the fine print on the offer document before you sign on the dotted line. It’s possible to find a card that is more suited to spending overseas. You also have to realize that if you pay off your entire outstanding amount, you will be able to keep the charges down as they are often high in case you have made minimum payments.

Your Indian Credit Card can be used to spend money abroad but you have to be aware of the transaction charges involved.

Read more ...

Credit and Debit Card Offers For June 2014: Pick the Best

An increasing number of consumers in the country are reliant on their cards to carry out their financial transactions. You could have a debit card or a Credit Card for that matter, you want to make the most out of it. The latter also ensures that you can buy whatever you want at the earliest and spend later. But of course there are many other advantages of using your cards, and you can see them materialize them in terms of rewards and discount offers you can get.

 That’s the reason it’s important to keep an eye on Credit Card Offers and other deals that are available in the market. Some of the precious offers in June 2014 include:

• You can get a 6% discount on your Ebay.in purchases when you use your SBI card. It also gets you splendid 15% cash back on domestic flight bookings that are made on Makemytrip.
• CITI Bank Card on the other hand has several lifestyle related benefits for you, including 15% off on food and beverages at Barista. From smart discounts at shopping destinations to fine dining restaurants, this card can help you make good savings as well.
• You can get 35% off on minimum purchases of Rs. 1499 on myntra.com by using your HDFC bank card. The same card can get you 15% off on the base fare of domestic flights on Spicejet.
• Kotak Mahindra Bank card has a fantastic offer for movie lovers where they can buy 1 movie ticket and get another completely free at PVR cinemas. If you buy a cappuccino at any Barista outlet using this card, you can get another one absolutely free.
• Till June 30, using your Standard Chartered Bank card can get you a voucher of Rs. 1000 for gadget at Croma outlets. If you get a flight booking on Goibibo.com you can get Rs. 600 off on your return booking and Rs. 300 on your one way ticket.
• If you want to buy a Samsung Galaxy smart phone, you can use your Axis Bank card to your advantage as it can get you 15% cash back besides no down payment, 0% interest and no processing fees options. Till June 30 you are also eligible to up to 12% off on Cox and Kings.
• ICICI Bank has tied up with musafir.com and lets you have Rs. 600 off on return flights and up to 25% off on hotel bookings that are made using the card. On the other hand, if you make your bookings on makemytrip.com using this card, you can get up to 25% cash back.
• HDFC Card lets you buy one ticket on bookmyshow.com on weekends and you can get the second ticket completely free. The offer is available on all signature cards form the bank. You can also get 15% cash back on the purchase of Samsung Galaxy smart phone using this card.

These are some of the smart Credit Card and Debit card offers available in June 2014 that you can make the most out of.

Read more ...

Bad Credit Cards - 10 Things You Need To Know

Bad Credit Cards : 

A credit card can be a blessing in disguise when you have no cash in your pocket. It is also a convenient way to carry money and is much easier to make payments with credit cards. But there are instances when credit cards can become bad for you. In fact, if not used with proper care, a credit card can ruin your finances completely. Here are 10 things you should know to recognize that your credit card is bad:

1. When you do not pay your bills on time: The first rule of using credit cards is to pay before the due date. If you fail to do this, you will be charged an exorbitant interest on the unpaid amount, which can be as high as 3.5% per month. Continuing this will not only entangle you in a financial mess, but it will also harm your credit score significantly. Further, late payment fees can harm you as well.
2. When you exceed your credit limit: Banks set the credit limit based on your credit standing, spend patterns etc. It is advisable not to spend more than 75% of the credit limit. If the credit limit is breached, it will again harm your credit score. Some banks stop usage of card when this happens.
3. When you regularly pay only the minimum amount payable: Paying the minimum amount can allow you to continue using the card. But remember that the unpaid amount goes into revolving credit and attracts interest. This ballooning of credit can definitely land you in trouble.
4. When you spend excessively albeit within the credit limit: Some credit card users take care not to exceed the credit limit, but do not think much about spending prudently. Remember that spending too close to the credit limit can also harm your credit score. Further, when you spend excessively, your finances can be greatly harmed, because at the end of the day, you will be the one to pay the bill.
5. When you use it to regularly withdraw cash: Credit cards allow you to withdraw cash. This feature should be used in an emergency. However, when this is made a habit, it can burn a hole in your pocket, as the charges for cash withdrawal are quite steep.
6. When you use your card only to get reward points: Sometimes, one uses the credit card only to gather reward points. If this becomes a habit, then you may end up spending excessively on unnecessary things.
7. When you use multiple cards: Using multiple cards can again land you in trouble. You may end up paying bills throughout the month as the payment becomes due for the different cards on different dates.
8. When you spend excessively while traveling abroad: Almost all major credit cards allow you to use them when you are traveling abroad. While this looks convenient, remember to check on the charges for such usage. Also don’t forget the exchange rate differential. It may be less expensive to use other payment modes when traveling abroad like using prepaid cards or travelers cheques.
9. When you are not careful about your CVV and PIN: Carelessness on the CVV or PIN of your credit card can again make your credit card ‘bad’ for you. This means you are giving an opportunity for someone else to use your card. This is disastrous and therefore you must be extremely careful of such passwords.
10. When you constantly transfer your balance to new cards: Some people transfer their unpaid balance to a new card or another existing card, if they are unable to pay it. You may save on the interest temporarily, but the interest will start to accrue after the initial period. Further, you will also have to pay balance transfer charges.

Read more ...