Consumers still unclear on credit score impactNews from SouthCoastToday.com:

May 20, 2012 12:00 AM

Consumers understand credit scores better than they used to, but many still don’t fully appreciate how costly high scores can be, according to a new survey.
Almost everyone knows mortgage lenders and credit card issuers use credit scores in making their decisions, according to a survey released last week by the Consumer Federation of America and VantageScore Solutions.
Most people realize landlords, home insurers, and cell phone companies also check consumers’ credit ratings, though by smaller majorities, according to the study. The results showed [...] Continue Reading…

Consumers still unclear on credit score impactNews from SouthCoastToday.com:

May 20, 2012 12:00 AM

Consumers understand credit scores better than they used to, but many still don’t fully appreciate how costly high scores can be, according to a new survey.
Almost everyone knows mortgage lenders and credit card issuers use credit scores in making their decisions, according to a survey released last week by the Consumer Federation of America and VantageScore Solutions.
Most people realize landlords, home insurers, and cell phone companies also check consumers’ credit ratings, though by smaller majorities, according to the study. The results showed [...] Continue Reading…

Credit Card Protection Plans Draw State Lawsuits, Federal ScrutinyNews from Fox Business:
If you have a credit card, you’ve probably heard the pitch. It comes from a telemarketer, or perhaps from a mailer included with your statement, and warns that “life is unpredictable.” Prepare for the worst, the pitch goes on to say, by purchasing a plan that will handle your credit card debt if you lose your job, become disabled or die.
What it won’t tell you is that for years, card issuers have been making fat profits off these payment protection programs while complaints from consumers [...] Continue Reading…

Ed Perkins on Travel: New credit cards reflect consumer push-backNews from San Jose Mercury News:

The three newest consumer credit cards — two from Bank of America, one a Fairmont card from JPMorgan Chase — reflect consumer exasperation with airline mileage cards. All three have some advantages.
The Bank of America Travel Rewards card offers 1.5 points, with an equivalent 1.5-cent cash value, for every $ 1 charged to the card. (Most cards offer around 1 cent per dollar.) The card carries no annual fee.
The BankAmericard Privileges credit card with Travel Rewards offers two points [...] Continue Reading…

Use Your Credit Card to Save on Car RentalsNews from TheStreet.com:
NEW YORK (LowCards.com) — If you plan on renting a car during an upcoming summer vacation, using a credit card to pay for it may save you money and provide increased protection.

When you rent a car, the rental agencies will try to sell a collision damage waiver, commonly referred to as a CDW. This is the insurance that provides coverage for damage to the rented vehicle. This can cost about $ 15 per day. Depending on your policy, your personal auto insurance may [...] Continue Reading…

Timely Payments from Credit Card Holders Increase in 2012News from Houston Chronicle:
RoadFish.com men’s lifestyle and finance magazine congratulates all borrowers who have been making an extra effort to chip away at their debt, which is evident in the rise of timely payments by borrowers in the first quarter of 2012 as reported by TransUnion
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) May 17, 2012
RoadFish.com men’s lifestyle and finance magazine applauded U.S. credit card holders as a collective for causing a spike in timely payments and a large dip in overdue payments within the first quarter of 2012. RoadFish.com wonders [...] Continue Reading…

Consumers still relying heavily on rewards credit cardsNews from Debtmerica Relief:

Thursday, 17 May 2012 11:00

Since the end of the recession, many Americans have been shy about taking on credit card debt, but in many cases, those who do are now doing so through the use of rewards accounts.Though attitudes toward credit card borrowing have changed considerably in the last few years, rewards accounts remain extremely popular with both banks and consumers, according to the latest monthly Cardbeat report from Auriemma Consulting Group. Credit card issuers are now extending more offers for these accounts [...] Continue Reading…

RATEGRAM’S BEST CREDIT CARD DEALS, For immediate releaseNews from Chicago Tribune:
The Credit Card Chart
2:55 p.m. CDT, May 16, 2012

These are nationally available credit cards offering the lowest interest rates on purchases as of May. 16. If you typically pay off the entire balance monthly, look for a zero-annual fee card that allows the most interest-free or grace days. Some cards listed below feature special introductory or “teaser” rates for a specified time before regular rates apply. Additional fees and residency restrictions may apply. Rates are subject to change. Rebates and other benefits may be [...] Continue Reading…

Credit card use is good, but …News from Post-Tribune:

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Dr. Wallace: I’ll be attending college in September. I’d like to have a credit card to use, instead of having cash. My dad likes the idea, but my mother hates credit cards. She thinks they get a lot of people in trouble. Your comments, please.
AshleyMilwaukee
Ashley: Credit cards are very useful tools. They have never caused anyone any kind of problem.
The problem, if the card is not properly administered, lies with the person who owns the card.
I believe you should have a credit card, [...] Continue Reading…

Consumer debt surge highest since 2001News from Middletown Journal:

By Randy Tucker, Staff Writer 10:16 PM Monday, May 14, 2012
U.S. consumers continue to reach for their credit cards and sign off on auto loans at a brisk clip, boosting borrowing twice as fast as most economists had predicted.
Total U.S. consumer credit grew by $ 21.36 billion in March, according to the latest figures from the Federal Reserve. That was the biggest month-to-month jump since 2001 led by a surge in auto loans, personal loans and student loans, which combined for about $ 16 [...] Continue Reading…