Whether you can’t get a credit card, have them but they’re maxed out, or you simply want other options sometimes so you don’t become too reliant on your credit cards, it’s a good idea to know your alternatives. Credit cards can be used for everything from everyday purchases to long-term financing. Sometimes they’re the best option for you, and sometimes they aren’t (such as if they have a high interest rate and you need to finance something over several months or more).

Today let’s talk about five of the most common alternatives to credit cards, how each can be used, and why they’re worth considering sometimes. read more..

The Reserve Bank of Australia claims a decrease in lending to businesses and households has helped contain the prevailing economy.

The RBA, challenged by the threat of surging inflation, reiterated its monetary policy stance of increasing rates despite the strong dollar if inflation rises to 4% from the current level of 3.25%. However a decline in excess cash within the economy has abetted the central bank in its efforts. read more..

Student credit cards have obvious benefits for those in school. They offer convenience for purchases and allow students to finance expenses like textbooks over time for example. But student credit cards also benefit the credit card companies. It might sound counterintuitive for credit card companies to offer new cards to students, who in many cases aren’t earning a significant full-time income while in school. Yet it happens, and students can actually be an attractive customer base for these credit card companies to target.

Today let’s look at what the appeal of student cardholders is for credit card companies. read more..

Whether you’re already a banking customer of St. George or you’re thinking about switching banks and opening an account with them, you might be able to get a new St. George Visa debit card in the process. With a simplified monthly fee structure and special offers from Visa, find out why this debit card might be a great fit for your banking and shopping needs.

Find out more about the St. George Visa debit card below to find out if you could be getting a better deal. Look promising? Then click the link below to apply for a new account today. read more..

AFR Smart Investor, in conjunction with the research group InfoChoice, recently distributed Blue Ribbon Awards to banks offering the best financial products, including credit cards.

Full-featured credit cards are once again popular, as banking customers seek cards that offer rewards and loyalty points in exchange for their business. read more..