Best Way to Raise Credit Score Fast with Credit Card

All banks and financial institutions check the credit history and score of a customer before extending a line of credit to them. A good credit score makes a customer eligible for the best credit cards in the market. Hence, it becomes imperative for all customers to have a good credit score. 

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Some tips that will help you increase your credit score are as follows:

• Multiple credit options: There are many customers who apply for multiple credit options at one time like a credit card along with a loan. When you do this, the banks and financial institutions will check the credit score. However, multiple attempts to check will hamper your credit ratio, which will bring down the credit score. It is mandatory that you wait for one credit option to get cleared before you try for another one. 
   
• Get the best credit cards in the market: If you do not own a credit card, then go for one. This will increase your credit score. Look for a card that reports to all the credit bureaus in India. In case you do not qualify for a regular credit card, go for a deposit one. 
   
• Make regular payments: After you get the best credit cards in the market, it is imperative that you make regular payments. Sometimes people only pay the minimum payment due, thinking that it is surely a regular payment they are doing. This is not the entirely the truth as minimum payments are approximately 70% interest and 30% principle amount. Hence, the principle amount keeps on piling, which adversely affects your credit score. So, it is better to pay a little more than the minimum payment. 
   
• Go for an installment loan: Getting a credit card will only improve your revolving credit score, but you also need to check the installment credit line. Hence, getting a car loan or personal loan will be the best idea. Paying regular payments on your credit card will increase your score surely but paying monthly EMIs regularly will increase it by manifolds. This way any financial institution or bank checking your credit score will know that you are responsible enough to take care of both lines of credit. 
   
• Regulate your credit card expenses: One of the best ways of getting a good credit score is by regulating your spending habits. You have the best credit cards with you with ample benefits but that does not mean that you will use them to the limit. The last statement balances are reported to the credit bureau, which, if enormous, can affect adversely on the score regardless of the fact that you might have paid it in full. Always ensure that you spend less than 30% of your credit limit on the card. This way you will have a floating limit to carry on. Also in case you are a compulsive shopper, then create SMS and email alerts for credit limit usage. This is the best way to keep a track of your expenses.

All these tips should initiate a better credit score for you. However, the best way would be to keep a track of your expenses and ensure that your payments go on time.

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Pros and Cons of Credit Card Balance Transfers

Credit card balance transfer is the process of transfer of outstanding amount that is due, from one credit card to another. Banks have been offering this option of credit transfer from another card at a lower interest rate to attract more customers. Nonetheless there are a lot of underlying factors to be looked at before considering this option. The low interest rate on remaining balance applies only for a limited period and there are various other clauses and conditions to be considered while going for this option, as discussed below.

If the current interest rate is much higher than the interest rate offered by the Bank to which you are considering to make a balance transfer to, then it is a wise option. If credit card balance transfer ensures a good rate of savings in terms of interest paid as well as taking into consideration other fees and charges such as processing fees and so on, it is a advantageous move. If the overall balance, once transferred, is being paid offer in the specified promotion period during which a low interest rate applies, it is a very rewarding option. But many people tend to be unable to manage their credit card purchases and thus end up having more debt. In turn they wouldn’t be able to pay off their outstanding in time. Most credit card companies consider this factor while offering the balance transfer option with low interests for a limited period after which higher interest rates are chargeable.

Customers should be careful not to buy new products and services using this new credit card since, only the amount which is transferred is liable to this deducted interest rate. New purchases do not have an interest free period. Infact, interest is charged from the first day of purchase. In order to benefit from the balance transfer to a new credit card, the customer has to keep in mind that they have to first finish off payment of the existing debt. Another factor to be considered is the processing fees. A one time processing fee is charged during the time of balance transfer , and if you are not careful with the amount charged this might reduce the benefits you aim to achieve through the process. Also while calculating interest charges, service tax that is applicable on interest charges have to be accounted for. High rate of interest on the credit card also means high service tax payable.

Carrying a large revolving debt has a negative impact on the overall credit score. The percentage of total debt to the total credit is considered while calculating credit score. Transferring balance to another credit card and adding on credit and again transferring it repeatedly is not a good option since it reflects badly on your credit score.

Balance transfer is a good option if it is managed carefully. It enables the customer to save on the interest paid out as well as helps to pay off the outstanding amount more quickly. But if the process is not handled with care, the customers might fall into a debt trap. Balance transfer should be made solely with the purpose of paying off debt and not for adding on to it in the meantime and care has to be taken of stretching expenses beyond income limit. 

Useful links:

Credit card offers 0 balance transfer 12 months

SBI Credit Card Balance Transfer Procedure

Balance transfer facility in HDFC Bank Credit Card

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Best Citibank PremierMiles Credit Cards in India

Citibank, a prominent name in the global market, has gained huge popularity in the Indian banking sector, owing to its excellent customer service and a wide range of products to suit the need of every customer. Citibank offers a wide range of banking solutions to customers that include credit card facilities. Different types of credit cards are available for different utility such as travel, shopping, fuel as well as lifestyle. 

 Citibank Cards at a glance

 

In the shopping category, the Citibank Credit Cards available are Citibank Rewards Card, Citibank Rewards Domestic Credit Card, Citibank Cash Back Credit Card, First Citizen Citibank Titanium Credit Card and Citibank Platinum Credit Card.

The fuel cards are IndianOil Citibank Platinum Credit Card and IndianOil Citibank Titanium Credit Card; while under the lifestyle credit card category, the Citi Prestige Credit Card is included.

In the travel category, Citibank PremierMiles Card provides miles as all the expenditure on tickets can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays and car rentals. Miles can be redeemed or transferred across over 100 domestic, international flights and hotel bookings.

The benefits of the Citibank PremierMiles Credit Card are:

• Bonus miles where 10,000 miles is obtained on the first spend of Rs. 1000 within 60 days of card issuance and 300 miles on the card renewal
• Faster Miles – Here, the miles are earned per Rs. 100 spent on air ticket booking, car rentals and hotel booking at PremierMiles website and other airline partners such as yatra.com and goibibo.com
• Never expiring miles provide the freedom of evergreen miles that never expire and can be redeemed at any point of time
• Get double the miles – A real joy miles earned by booking through the frequent flyer program where miles are added both ways, miles through FFP and through the Citibank PremierMiles Card
• Fly when you want, where the card holder can fly anytime and redeem anytime without any blackout dates
• Simpler redemption process, in which you can transfer miles to airline partners
• The card holder can keep a record of the reward tracking by simply sending an SMS request.

The features of the Citibank PremierMiles Credit Card include flexibility, while managing a credit card account becomes simple and easy through online banking, phone banking, SMS banking and mobile banking. The payment methods are even simpler through online e-pay, NEFT/RTGS, ECS, ATMs or Drop box.

Citibank PremierMiles Privileges

The Citibank PremierMiles provides the following privileges like complimentary access to airport lounges where gourmet meals, unlimited beverage and Wi-Fi are available. Complimentary air accident insurance cover up to Rs 1 Crore and lost card liability cover of Rs. 2 Lakhs is also available. Other privileges include dining privileges, shopping privilege, travel privileges, Citibank world privilege, EMI privileges at consumer electronic & mobile phone outlets, leading retail and e-shopping, payment options and instant loan on the Citibank PremierMiles card.

Enjoy while travelling as Citibank PremierMiles Credit Card is the best option for frequent flyers and travel lovers where the benefits, features and the privileges are immense.

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SBI Credit Card Balance Transfer Procedure – Five steps to get stress free

No one enjoys the feeling of staring at credit card dues that need to be cleared and that too, with an added interest of up to 18%, which is the norm in most cases. Especially for a cash strapped consumer, the difference between paying the premium and the additional high rate of interest can change a manageable scenario into one that bites deeply into the pocket. As far as credit card companies go, deferring payment will only worsen the situation for the consumer. The best solution, in these circumstances is to transfer the balance to a more reliable bank, which also offers a lower rate of interest. 

Through the SBI Balance Transfer option, one can be assured of the fulfillment of both the criteria mentioned above.

As per the scheme, a customer may transfer the high rate credit card balances of other credit cards onto the SBI credit card, wherein the interest payable is as low as 0%, thus creating a circumstance of complete convenience.

The entire procedure is a matter of six steps, in case of a new user and just three steps in case of a customer already registered on the SBI card website.

If one is a first time visitor to the SBI card portal, all one needs to do is fill up the registration form with the appropriate details of the SBI credit card. Once this is done, an OTP will be generated and instantly sent to the registered mobile number. After logging in with the Card number and the OTP, one can then create an appropriate user ID and password. On entering the portal, the option ‘Book Balance Transfer’ can be found to the left of the screen. Hereon, it is just a matter of filling the balance transfer form and clicking ‘submit’.

The SBI Balance Transfer options bestows multiple advantages. For one, once the balance is transferred, the interest payable for the first two months is 0%. A 2% service charge may be levied, which, compared to the monstrous 18% is almost negligible. Therefore the opportunity to save on the high rate of interest in other credit cards in wide open.

The second advantage is that the interest rates post the 60 day period is also extremely low in comparison. It rises from 0% to just 1.7%. This again, is valid up to six months, during which time the customer also does not need to pay any service charges.

Third, by transferring balances from all other cards into the SBI card, one creates a single, unified, savings-driven payment option that is dependable and hassle free.

And finally, convenience. The request for Balance Transfer will be processed within just three working days through Visa Credit Card Pay for all Visa cards. What is more, the cheque will be delivered within a mere 3 working days if the customer is located in a metro. Even otherwise, the duration if delivery is limited to just 5 working days.

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SBI Credit Card Cash Back Offers – They’re Every Where!

Today the world is customer centric. Thanks to the influx of technology that allows literally every customer to be savvy about each product in the market, the customer is truly king! With the growing use of credit cards in India, there is a positive pressure from the customers on banks to issue credit cards that do more than just allow them to pay for what they buy at a later date. It is in this atmosphere of heightened competition and public expectation that the SBI Credit Card thrives.

In the parlance of electronics and consumer technology, ‘single function devices’ are now obsolete. A watch is not merely for keeping time. A mobile device is not just for taking calls and sending SMS’s. Even the television at home doubles as a gaming device, a streaming hub and a conduit that allows the resident to browse the World Wide Web.

This being the case, why should Credit Cards be single function devices? After all, they too, have been driving transactions towards digital money for decades. The SBI Credit Card Cash Back Offers have cashed in on this theme, to come up with multiple discount solutions that cater to the multifarious needs of customers across the length and breadth of the country.

Travel

Whether for business or on a well-deserved holiday, there has been a surprisingly steep rise in the number of people who travel in the country. Destinations beyond the seas and outside India are now more accessible and hence more inviting. The SBI Card offers its customers numerous discounts on ticket bookings, shopping, choice of hotels and destination packages. For example, through the YQ meet and assist, one may avail up to 20% discount on published prices, with an SBI signature card. Alternately, with an SBI Platinum card, one can avail 15% discount on published prices, till the end of this year.

In the case of flywidus.com, an online travel services provider, one can avail a flat discount of Rs. 400 on one way domestic flights and Rs. 800 on two way domestic flights. This offer is valid till 15^th August, 2014.

Both British Airways and the travel services provider Cox and Kings offer 10% and 11% cash back respectively to all SBI credit card holders. While the former offer will last till the end of the year, the latter offer will end on August 31^st.

Shopping

With an SBI credit card, the market place of the world, as well as the virtual market is literally full of cash back offers on every conceivable category of consumer goods. Discounts from 5%, up to and over 50% can be availed based on the validity of the offer across the country in multiple stores both online and in the real world.

An SBI bank credit card offers unlimited possibilities, whether the requirements are business and profession oriented or for the family.

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Tips for Credit Card Security

Although the RBI has circulated some rules and regulations to secure credit card customers, still frauds happen within a blink of an eye. There are many ways to safeguard your credit card against theft or other instances of security breach.

 

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Some tips are:

• Lost and stolen card report: If any of your credit cards is stolen or lost, report it immediately to customer care. Make sure they stop the card immediately so that no transactions can be done till the time you receive a new one. Also, ensure that you tell them the date, time and place the incident happened, in case you remember it. This will ensure that your card issuer knows the time since your card was not in your possession.

• Online safety: Banks will never send emails to you, asking for your credit card number. If you receive any such thing, it is undoubtedly a spam mail. This is one of the easiest tricks that scammers deploy to phish your login information for a bank. Whenever you log on to the bank site, you will see disclaimers with the same information. This is only to inform customers of these kinds of frauds. Also, it is imperative that you request for an OTP (One Time Password) for all your online transactions.

• Guard your credit cards: Always ensure that you carry your credit cards in a closed compartment. Whether you are a man or a woman, you should carry a zipped purse or wallet for keeping credit cards. It is better to carry only those cards that you will need at the time of shopping. Carrying all of them would surely be a mistake.

• Look before you sign: At the time of shopping, always ensure that you are signing a valid receipt. Many a times, it has been seen that merchants and shopkeepers give you receipts that are completely blank. It is better not to sign on them. They will feign no ink and all other stuff, but always stick to the fact that you will sign a valid receipt. They can easily write any amount on a blank receipt after you sign it.

• Safeguard your card number: You should only give your credit card number and other sensitive information to the customer care. Do not disclose your card numbers to people who have left their phone numbers on your answering machines. Your card issuer will never call you to confirm your card number as they will already have it their database. They would just confirm the last 4 digits of the card.

• The billing statement review: It is very important to check the billing statement every month. This will ensure that you know what all charges have been added in the current billing cycle. If you see any out of league charge, then you can always call the bank and check with them if the charge belongs to you or not.

• Shred your card number: Many credit card customers throw their billing statements in the trash without shredding them. You should shred your statement, rather than just throwing it away. This way, nobody can read the card number from your billing statement.

Caution is the best way of securing your credit cards. Always ensure that you keep a track of all the transactions done by you.

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Understanding the advantages of a HDFC Bank Travel Credit Card

Travelling is done every day whether it is for business or for pleasure. But, if you are someone who spends a big chunk of your income or your allowances on travelling, you should take a look at the best HDFC travel credit card. Having a travel specific credit card gives you access to savings on the biggest expenditure on your list.

 

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Travelling is expensive more so if it is air travel. Air travel is also the fastest and most efficient if you travel a lot for business. Using a credit card which is travel based to make your purchases is a good way to save money because you can earn miles which can be used to redeem discounts on future purchases. Frequent fliers can benefit greatly from having a travel credit card.

Now, let us look at the benefits of the best HDFC travel card.

While there are different travel benefit cards available with HDFC bank, a card that is most recommended in this category is the Superia travel premium Card. This is a travel specific credit card which gives customers access to compounded savings.

New customers:

As a new customer you can earn 1000 reward points which can be used at a later stage to get discounts on ticket purchases.

Rewards:

For a frequent air traveler, earning rewards can give many benefits in the form of savings. When you use the Superia HDFC credit card, you can earn 3 reward points on every Rs.150 spent. You can earn double the rewards when you use this card for making dining reservations.

The savings don’t stop here. If the total amount spent on the card reaches a total of Rs. 5 lac, you get an air travel voucher of Rs, 8000.

Lounge benefits:

Business travelers who travel from place to place often spend a great deal of their schedule waiting for flights. While they wait to board a direct or a connecting flight, they access lounge services. These services can be expensive generally, however, using the Superia travel HDFC credit card can help save on these services as well.

Possessing this card will give members exclusive lounge benefits in airports all across India. Also, the total savings on lounge expenses can add up to a total of Rs.8300 every year which is again a significant savings.

Fuel discounts:

A big part of business travelling is also intercity travel that involves booking cabs or using official vehicles for travel. Using the Superia HDFC bank travel credit card, the customer will get many fuel transaction discounts further expanding the savings slab.

An HDFC travel credit card offers traditional travelling expenditure savings but, in addition to that the span of savings is enlarged when the related travelling expenses are also featured as part of the plan. It is therefore, prudent to use a credit card specifically meant to extend travel benefits that covers the entire spectrum of expenses.

For a company or a corporate the same, helps save a ton of money on personnel travelling purchases.

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HSBC Bank Low Interest Credit Cards

HSBC bank, or the HongKong and Shanghai Bank Limited, has been in the Indian banking domain for more than 150 years. Popularly known as the Mercantile Bank of India initially, this bank has gained immense popularity in various banking sectors. It has carved a niche in commercial, personal and corporate domains. The bank is also credited to have set the first ATM in the year 1987 in India. HSBC bank is also known to offer a wide variety of services in various fields such as institutional banking, asset management, trade custody, business banking and many more. 

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 Among the different types of products offered by the bank, credit cards are known to be the top most products in the banking domain. There are basically four types of credit cards offered by the bank which is designed to cater to the requirements of specific sectors of the society. There are several benefits of availing these cards from the HongKong and Shanghai Bank Limited. Some of these beneficial features include cash instalment plan, rewards on travel and dining, special discount offers, balance transfer facility and fuel surcharge waiver.

There are four different types of credit cards which include the Signature card, Platinum credit card from HSBC, Platinum credit card and Gold credit card. The HSBC bank low interest credit cards are issued to the customers on the basis of certain eligibility criterion. Card holders need to have a fixed monthly income and a good CIBIL credit score. Card holders should also be under the age bracket of 18 to 70 years to be eligible for credit facilities.

Some Advantages

There are many advantages of owning HSBC credit cards and some of the most important benefits include the following.

Good credit facilities: The bank offers excellent credit facilities to the customers through these cards. These cards are also offered at zero interest rates. It also offers excellent rewards and cash back offers. Today there are various websites which can be utilized to compare the different types of cards offered by the bank and choose an appropriate card.

Different types: HSBC offers variety of cards which are specifically designed for people with different levels of income and requirements. The bank also offers two add-on cards along with these cards. However, the credit limit will be divided between these cards.

Poor credit: The bank also offers credit facilities for people with poor credit. These cards are secured and often include low annual charges compared to the other cards.

Different cards include different credit plans and it is easy to find cards suited for different types of requirements. It is quite easy to avail these cards from the banks. There are websites which can be utilized to compare the features of different cards offered by the banks. The reward points and various other utilities are also explained on these websites. Apart from many attractive benefits, some cards also include cash back policies and zero interest rates. It is necessary to submit all the necessary documents to the banks to obtain these credit cards.

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Credit card offers 0 balance transfer 12 months

Balance transfer on credit cards with 0% interest for as long a term as 12 months is a reality again. So if you have missed out on such offers in some of the recent years that have gone by, don’t worry! The scheme is here again and several card companies have got it rolled out for their customers. For people keen to take advantage of 0% balance transfer benefit, it’s just a matter of choosing the right provider and the right card.

Long term balance transfer explained

Balance transfer cards are ideally suited for people who are overburdened with piling debt on credit cards. Compounding interest adds to the finance charges and further inflates the amount already due by accruing interest with every passing month when the dues are not cleared.

A balance transfer card at this moment allows one to transfer his/her existing credit card balance right away to a fresh card and pay it off at a lesser rate of interest for a stipulated time period.

0% long term balance transfer credit card offers are further helpful as they allow the patrons to transfer the current due balance to a fresh card for an extended time period – usually 9/12/more months at no interest. 0% APR means during the time period that this rate applies, no interest is accrued on any balance transferred.

However, the amount of balance transferred is at most times subjected to a lone ‘balance transfer fee’ which is classically 3%-5% of the amount (appended to the new balance).

In most cases, applicants with excellent credit record qualify for promotional balance transfer cards like these.

The best card offers for 0% balance transfer for 12 months

The credit card industry is in general a highly competitive one. So naturally when 0% long term balance transfer cards are offered, they are offered by not one, but a number of providers. The best offers in the niche are now available in the following cards –

• Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

• Citi Simplicity® Card

• Discover it® Card

• Capital One® Platinum Prestige Credit Card

• Barclaycard Arrival™ World MasterCard®

None of these cards charge the customers any annual fee and all of them are offering a 0% promotional APR on balance transfers for 12 months at least. To know more closely about the offers you can compare the credit cards through a finance portal offering credit card services and evaluate their offerings. 2 benefits that you are sure to receive by availing any of these 0% APR cards are –

• Extended time for debt pay off

• Less interest disbursement

Important

Finding out the right 0% balance transfer card is easy after you compare and weigh some offers from different providers. But for those looking for balance transfer it’s important to look at it as a part of a plan to do away with their credit card debt. For the purpose it’s also important to –

• Focus on enhancing the income

• Lessening the expenses

• Paying off the outstanding card dues in full before the 0% promotional rate concludes

Note : 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 http://www.bankbazaar.com/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.

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What are the benefits of Axis bank credit card ?

Axis Bank offers a wide range of credit card options. Having a credit card is so convenient. Making payments and purchases becomes much easier and faster when you pay with your card. This saves you the burden of carrying huge amounts of cash with you when you shop or travel. The different types of credit cards offered by Axis Bank are specially cut out to meet the needs of you, the customer. Depending on your reasons for applying for a card, your affordability and other details, you can choose a card that would best meet your needs.

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When you apply for a credit card from Axis Bank, you get to make use of a whole lot of benefits such as payback points, rewards, cash benefits and other exclusive features. Among the large number of options available to you when you choose to apply for a credit card, the benefits you receive from an Axis Bank Card stand out from the rest. Here are some of the main benefits of Axis Bank Credit card:

1. Get cash back and discounts on ticket bookings: when you use your Axis Bank credit card to book flight tickets, bus or train tickets online; you receive a part of the base fair as a ‘cash back’ reward or you receive a discount on your booking amount. The amount or the percentage of cash you receive in return will depend on the type of Axis Bank credit card which you choose. There are platinum cards, My cards, Co-branded and other credit cards.
2. High level of security. One of the main concerns of the modern methods of banking is security and this is something Axis pays close attention to. Your Credit cards from Axis Bank will be pin and chip protected. This gives you additional protection against card frauds.
3. Enjoy discounts while dining. Axis Bank offer their credit card holders special discounts at a wide range of restaurants. Depending on the type of credit card you choose, you will be eligible for up to 33% discount on dining.
4. When you have an Axis bank credit card, you can easily convert large purchases to EMI. If a cash transaction costs more INR 2500 you can convert it into an Equated Monthly Installment by simply contacting the bank regarding the same.
5. With your Axis Bank Credit card, you will also receive exclusive access to VIP lounges in domestic and international terminals in major cities across India and the world.
6. One of the benefits of the Axis Bank’s credit cards is the ‘eDGE loyalty rewards program’ where in, you collect points in your rewards account every time you use your card to make a payment or purchase. The points you collect in your eDGE loyalty account can be redeemed to receive over 500 reward items. For ever INR 200 spent, you gather between 2 to 12 reward points, according to the type of credit card you choose. The number of points you earn are different all the types of credit cards offered by Axis.

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How Do Credit Cards Work India

Credit cards have come a long way from being a service reserved for the exclusive few to a commonly used financial instrument. Gone are the days when people used cash for purchases at stores, restaurants and other shopping activity. A large chunk of both brick and mortar store shopping as well as online purchase activity is conducted across the globe using credit cards.

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Credit card companies have refined the service offering specialized cards like travel centric cards, co-branded retail credit cards along with premium credit cards catering to the needs of wide sections of the society. Using a credit card while shopping is an easy breeze and card holders simply need to swap their credit card with the credit card swapping machine available with the retail merchant.

Have you ever wondered how the credit card works and delivers the financial transactions to the merchant? Read on to know the basic functionality of credit cards and their working operations.

Win-win situation for both merchants and customers:

Credit cards are a great financial tool gaining popularity across the globe because of their intrinsic beneficial nature. Credit cards offer a win-win situation for both the retail merchant and the credit card holder. For the credit card holder, firstly it cuts out the requirement of carrying cash while out shopping. Secondly, it offers the card holder the huge advantage of buying now and paying later making it possible for users to manage their spending wisely. For the merchant offering credit card services, it means an increase in the quantum of business as more and more credit card holders would be eager to shop at stores accepting credit card services.

Understanding credit card transactions:

The working mechanism of a credit card is divided into two distinct steps. The first step involves the verification of the credit card done at the merchant store while swapping the card. The second step relates to the final financial transaction between the card service provider, the retail merchant and the card holder. In the first step of credit card verification, a retailer swaps the users credit card on a dedicated machine connected to the computer. The electronic chip in the credit card displays all the credit related information of the card. The software tells the merchant if the card is available for purchase or is blocked. Once the card is approved for financial transaction, the merchant can swap the card at the credit card terminal to facilitate payments. Once the credit card is swapped, a paper receipt gets generated. The receipt must be signed by the card holder as an agreement to pay the credit card company.

Payment of credit card dues:

As a basic nature of credit card transaction, the credit card company pays the merchant instantly while the card holder pays the card holder over a period of time. If the card holder pays the bank or service provider within the credit free period, no extra interest is charged. In case the user repays after the expiry of the interest free grace period, a compounded daily interest is charged for pending amounts.

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Ways to Avoid Credit Card Fraud

While credit cards are a dream come true for many people, falling prey to a credit card fraud can be a serious issue. The banks will always alert you about the different types of frauds that might happen on the card. It is always better to know the different tips on how to avoid card fraud. 

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Some tips are :

• Security software: If you generally access your credit cards online, it is imperative to install security software on your computer. Whenever you visit any site, there might be a malicious website, which might just try to open. However, when you have security software, the site will be blocked by a firewall. This malicious site might just capture your credit card login details, which can be used for any fraudulent transaction.

• Notification to the card issuer: You should always update your latest information with the card issuer. The credit card issuer should have your residential and billing address and phone number. With the introduction of e-bills, it is very important to update your latest email address with the card issuer. If the wrong address is given, your credit card details might just fall into the wrong hands.

• Password and pin protection: With RBI’s regulation for the requirement of pin for all swipe transactions, fraudulent transactions on credit cards at the merchant’s place have dropped. However, you will still need to ensure that your passwords and pin numbers are strong enough. While it might be difficult to remember all of them, it is necessary for you to keep on changing them once every month. Always make long passwords with more than 8 characters. The longer the password, the more secure your credit card will be against fraud.

• Travel decisions: Always inform your bank about your travel plans. In case you are travelling to a foreign country, do let them know. This will ensure that you’re the credit card issuer knows about your whereabouts. Apart from this, they will not block any transaction on the card in case it is a huge amount. Banks block or confirm different foreign currency transactions to safeguard their customers from fraud.

• Receipts of your credit cards: There are many people who throw away their credit card receipts. However, you should store them with you so that you can verify it against your billing statement. If you see any unfamiliar transaction on the statement, you should contact your card issuer immediately to get it checked.

• Avoid phishing mails: No card issuer or bank will send emails to you asking for the credit card details. Hence, if you receive any such mail then delete it at once. These are phishing mails that scammers generally send to get the login details for your credit cards. Never click on any link that you do not recognize. Also, never sign in to any account that was sent to you through a link on email especially by an unknown source. If the link has come from someone you know then cross check with them before proceeding.

All the above tips can surely help you avoid credit cards fraud at all times. However, one of the best tips is to keep your eyes and ears open. Being cautious while handling your card is the best way to avoid any financial fraud.

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Benefits of Using Axis Bank Credit Card

Credit cards, in the recent years, have brought a revolutionary change in the face of business. With the entry of these cards, consumers’ spending habits have drastically changed, giving them an easy access to money. Credit cards have become a very useful tool for building credit for various purposes, when used responsibly. Banks are using lucrative offers to attract the customers to tap the growth opportunities in this sector.

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 Axis Bank Credit Cards

Axis bank, which is India’s third largest private bank, offers a range of financial services for all the segments, age and income profiles. Axis Bank Credit Card is one card that suits all your needs and comfort and offers exciting benefits and rewards for its loyal customers. The various benefits of axis bank credit cards are:

• Global Acceptance: Axis bank credit cards are globally accepted at over 23 million merchant establishments world-wide which helps the customers to buy in any currency across the world and pay later in rupees.
• Mobile Alerts: Customers using the axis bank credit card have the option to subscribe to enhanced mobile alerts and receive regular updates of their card account.
• PlusPoints Rewards: PlusPoints are a great way to earn rewards on every transaction you make using axis bank credit card. These points, when accumulated can be redeemed for various offers launched by the bank. Usually, one earns 2 points for Rs 100 spent on international transactions and 1 point for Rs.100 spent on domestic transactions.
• Exclusive Benefits: Each credit card is linked with their exclusive benefits to make it more lucrative for that segment of people. For e.g., fuel surcharge refund of 2.5%, complimentary movie tickets, discount on shopping, travel, etc.
• Revolve Facility: Axis Bank also offers extended credit facility to its premium customers owning their Signature Credit Card. This facility gives the customers an option to buy any product and pay in easy installments to the bank.
• Interest Free Period: Axis bank credit card holders are also entitled to up to 50 days free credit period on their purchases without any finance charge being levied to their card account.
• Auto Debit Facility: This facility gives the customers an added convenience of paying their monthly card bills directly through the Axis bank account.
• Balance Transfer: Balance transfer facility helps you transfer any balance from other cards to Axis bank credit card at a special rate.
• EMI Facility: By using an axis bank credit card, customers’ have the convenience of paying for high value transactions in easy EMIs.
• Cash Advance Facility: Axis bank gives privileges to its premium customers to withdraw cash (30% of the credit limit) from any ATM around the world.
• eShop Card: This card is an additional virtual card given to the card holders for secured online shopping as in this scenario, they will not be required to give their credit card details.

As an Axis bank credit card holder, one not only benefits from the credit facility, but also enjoys the best of all worlds as it offers exciting deals and schemes on all the categories making the experience more valuable. Additionally, this bank has also tie-ups and participates with various outlets to grab the best deals for their customers.

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