CARDS & LOANS 4U

HSBC - Orchard Bank Credit Card

2007-04-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

ORCHARD BANK PLATINUM MASTERCARD®

IntroAPR n/a*
IntroPeriod n/a*
RegularAPR 14.9 %*
AnnualFee $39-$59**

-Enjoy the prestige of Platinum with no up front fees
-Premium Platinum benefits including Purchase Protection
-Great credit card to strengthen your credit
-Reports to all 3 credit bureaus monthly, which can help improve your credit score
-Free Online 24-hour Account Access and Bill Pay
-Periodic credit limit increases
-4 Plastic Designs to choose from
-Choose your own Plastic

ORCHARD BANK GOLD MASTERCARD®
IntroAPR n/a*
IntroPeriod n/a*
RegularAPR 14.9 %*
AnnualFee $79*

-Enjoy the prestige of a Gold MasterCard
-Receive Gold card privileges and benefits
-Great credit card to strengthen or rebuild your credit
-Reports to all 3 credit bureaus monthly, which can help improve your credit score
-Free Online 24-hour Account Access and Bill Pay
-Periodic credit limit increases
-4 Plastic Designs to choose from
-Choose your own Plastic

GM FLEXIBLE EARNINGS CARD
IntroAPR 0%*
IntroPeriod 12 Months
RegularAPR 14.24 %*
AnnualFee None*

-GM Flexible Earnings Card benefits:
-A full 1% cash back option
-Earn a full 1% toward any new vehicle
-Triple your Earnings to 3% toward an eligible, new GM vehicle
-No Annual Fee

ORCHARD BANK SILVER MASTERCARD®
IntroAPR 0%*
IntroPeriod 12 Months*
RegularAPR 14.9 %*
AnnualFee $49*

-Great credit card to strengthen your credit
-Reports to all 3 credit bureaus monthly, which can help improve your credit score
-Free Online 24-hour Account Access and Bill Pay
-Periodic credit limit increases
-4 Plastic Designs to choose from
-Choose your own Plastic

UNION PLUS® MASTERCARD®
IntroAPR 1.99%*
IntroPeriod 6 Months*
RegularAPR 13.24 %*
AnnualFee None*

-Attention Union Members!Only the Union Plus MasterCard offers you exclusive money saving benefits and Triple PlusSM Features that no other card can equal:
-FREE Rewards Program designed for hard-working union members.
-Get 2,000 bonus points after first purchase, more than halfway to a $25 Gift Card.
-Earn 1 Point for every dollar spent anywhere
-Earn 2 Points for every dollar spent at gas stations, grocery stores, and drug stores.
-NO Balance Transfer Fees and APR stays FIXED until the balance is paid in full*.
-1.99% introductory APR on new purchases*.
-All Calls answered in the United States.
-No annual fee and No liability for unauthorized use.

ORCHARD BANK SECURED MASTERCARD ®
IntroAPR n/a*
IntroPeriod n/a*
RegularAPR 14.9 %*
AnnualFee 14.9 %* $35*

-Reports to all 3 credit bureaus monthly, which can help improve your credit score
-Free Online 24-hour Account Access and Bill Pay
-Complete your application, including your security deposit, online
-Set your own credit limit

Kind of Loan Should You Get

2007-03-31T03:08:00.000-07:00

With interest rates at their lowest levels in years, mortgage brokers and bankers are taking more calls than New York's quit-smoking hotline. But don't let the frenzy lure you into the wrong type of mortgage. You've got several options to choose from, and believe it or not everyone should go with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, even if it is at a rock-bottom rate.

To help you figure out which mortgage is right for you, we've created profiles of six common mortgage shoppers, from someone who is temporarily cash-poor to someone in search of a "jumbo" mortgage of more than $359,650 ($539,475 in Alaska and Hawaii). Everybody's situation, of course, is different and yours might not be perfectly matched here. But this approach is a good way to learn about who uses the different types of loans available and where the best place is to get them.

The Homesteader

You've just found a home in a nice neighborhood and you plan to stay there until your kids are through high school. Or maybe you're 65 and are buying your retirement home. In either case, you know you're not moving for at least a decade.

What you want: No doubt about it. In the current environment, you want a fixed-rate mortgage. Rates on a 30-year fixed-rate loan are incredibly low, and though a fixed rate still costs more than an adjustable-rate mortgage, the difference between the two is not that great. The price of stability, in other words, is relatively affordable. If your monthly cash flow permits it, you might consider a 15-year loan. The monthly payment is higher, but you pay less interest over the life of the loan.

Where to shop: Your first stop should definitely be a mortgage banker such as Countrywide Funding. Unlike mortgage brokers, with which these outfits are sometimes confused, mortgage bankers are not intermediaries between you and a lender; they are lenders. Mortgage bankers don't write a lot of adjustable-rate loans, because it's harder to package those for sale to organizations, such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Thus, because mortgage bankers make their money on fixed rates, their prices tend to be the most aggressive around.

The Relocator

You're never going to spend more than a few years in this house. Maybe your spouse has a thing about moving. Maybe you know you'll eventually need space to work from home. Maybe you're planning on high-tailing it to Montana in a few years. In any case, you're certain this isn't where you'll grow old.

What you want: You're a candidate for an adjustable mortgage or maybe a "delayed adjustable." Also known as 3-1s, 5-1s and 7-1s, these loans are fixed for their first three, five or seven years, then convert to a one-year adjustable. Another thing: You can buy a "conversion option." For a small fee and a slight premium on the rate, many lenders will allow you to convert your delayed adjustable to a fixed rate, as long as you do so before the loan starts adjusting.

Where to shop: Midsize banks and thrifts — which typically hold onto the loans they write — are the most aggressive players in the adjustable market. A few large banks will be competitive, too. Though they've always made most of their money outside the mortgage business, some, such as Chase and Ohio-based Charter One Bank, may be eager to sell you adjustable loans. Also, keep in mind that you may be able to get a better rate with them if you have other business, such as an in-house checking account, that you can bring to their table.

The Trader-Upper

The house you love comes with a hefty price tag — one that will require a mortgage of more than $359,650 (or $539,475 if you live in Alaska or Hawaii). You know you can qualify for the loan, and you've got a sizable down payment.

What you want: A jumbo loan. In the past, lenders didn't like jumbos because if one went bad, the effect was like losing five smaller mortgages. That's why rates were typically one half to a full percentage point higher. But now, because of rising home prices and low interest rates, the race to write jumbo loans has become the most competitive part of the market — and lenders no longer get away with charging so much for larger loans.

Where to shop: Large banks have traditionally been the leaders in jumbo loans, largely because they have much bigger loan portfolios. They are still good bets. Brokerage firms, eager to please their more moneyed clients, are a good bet, too. But the fact is, just about any lender wants to sell jumbos, whether it's adjustable, delayed adjustable or fixed.

The Temporarily Cash-Poor

You've found a great house, but qualifying for a big enough loan is a problem — for the time being. Maybe you're in your second year at the district attorney's office with a handful of offers to double your income in private practice. Maybe you're just about to finish paying your son's Harvard tuition. In either case, you know your disposable income is about to jump — and substantially.

What you want: The answer to your problem could be to "buy down" your loan, or pay another point or two up front to earn a lower interest rate. Then you can qualify for a bigger loan.

Consider what's known as a two-to-one buydown. You reduce the first year's rate by two points and the second year's by one point. In year three, the loan becomes fixed, and it stays at that rate for the life of the loan. That can help you buy a lot more house.

Where to shop: Buydowns are most commonly found at mortgage bankers, because they're typically an attachment to fixed-rate products, the mortgage banker's specialty. But they're not limited to mortgage banks. You should also try midsize banks and thrifts, which will allow you to open an interest-bearing savings account (funded either by you or a gift from a parent or other relative), out of which funds are automatically drawn to keep the borrower's out-of-pocket expense low for the first few years. Plus, if you've got a brokerage account, you might be surprised at what it can do for you. Several Wall Street firms, including Merrill Lynch, are writing a lot of mortgages these days — and they tend to be fairly flexible.

The High Earner/Poor Saver

You've got a good job and you've found a house you adore. But you've been buried under student loans — or you've been traveling the globe without a care — and haven't been able to save for a down payment.

What you want: Fifteen years ago you had practically zero chance of getting 100% financing. Lenders were so nervous about it, the option wasn't even on the menu. But today it's a different story.

The money in 100% financing these days usually comes bundled as a so-called 80-20 loan, or "piggy-backed second." That is, there's a first mortgage for 80% of the total and a second mortgage for the remainder. The bad news is that both come with high interest rates. If you have anything to put down — even 3% — you'll save yourself a bundle. That's because Fannie Mae has standardized the lending criteria for 97% financing and will now buy these loans, which means that practically every mortgage lender can offer them.

Where to shop: In situations that are, shall we say, "odd," you're often best off visiting a mortgage broker. These people act as agents, directing you to a lender and then collecting a fee or a percentage of your loan amount. The fee is the key: They don't get paid unless you get a loan. It's critical, though, to choose only a broker that comes highly recommended — and the recommendation should come from a friend or colleague who has actually used the broker, not from your real estate broker or builder. Clients who use mortgage brokers complain, for example, that brokers say they're canvassing a dozen or more sources when they've really only checked with two or three. Other grievances: Brokers tend to throw business to the lenders who are their friends, and they can slow the mortgage process, making you wait for details about the terrific rate they've gotten you until it's too near closing to shop anywhere else.

The Credit Delinquent

You've got a couple of 30-day late payments on your Visa card, and once you forgot to pay the phone bill. Will you be able to get a loan? Are you supposed to pay for your mistakes forever?

What you want: Tampa mortgage broker Chris Munzo says he used to have just one lending source for poor credit risks. But now that the market is infinitely more competitive, "I have six or seven lenders aggressively soliciting my [poor] credit business," he says.

One reason: Lenders have finally figured out that most people with 20% to 30% equity in a home aren't going to walk away from it, even if their credit is bad. The other reason: Many lenders now have their own credit scoring systems that help them figure out how much of a risk a person actually poses — and so can price their loans accordingly.

Where to shop: All lenders are more willing to write loans for bad credit risks these days, but your best bet may be a mortgage broker. "They used to call it 'hard money,' and mortgage brokers are where you had to go to get it," says North Carolina broker Christopher Cruise. "Today, you're generally still best off going to mortgage brokers for B, C and D credit."

Basic Loan Features

2007-03-31T00:23:00.000-07:00

Although there are different types of reverse mortgages, all of them are similar in certain ways. Here are the features that most have in common.

Homeownership
With a reverse mortgage, you remain the owner of your home just like when you had a forward mortgage. You are still responsible for paying your property taxes and home-owner insurance and for making property repairs.
When the loan is over, you or your heirs must repay all of your cash advances plus interest. Reputable lenders don't want your house; they want repayment.

Financing Fees
You can use the money you get from a reverse mortgage to pay the various fees that are charged on the loan. This is called "financing" the loan costs. The costs are added to your loan balance, and you pay them back plus interest when the loan is over.

Loan Amounts
The amount of money you can get depends most on the specific reverse mortgage plan or program you select. It also depends on the kind of cash advances you choose. Some reverse mortgages cost a lot more than others, and this reduces the amount of cash you can get from them.
Within each loan program, the amounts you can get generally depend on your age and your home's value:
- The older you are, the more cash you can get; and
- The more your home is worth, the more cash you can get.
The specific dollar amount available to you may also depend on interest rates and closing costs on home loans in your area.

Debt Payoff
Reverse mortgages generally must be "first" mortgages, that is, they must be the primary debt against your home. So if you now owe any money on your property, you generally must either :
- pay off the old debt before you get a reverse mortgage; or
- pay off the old debt with the money you get from a reverse mortgage.
Most reverse mortgage borrowers pay off any home debt with a lump sum advance from their reverse mortgage. You may not have to pay off other debt against your home if the prior lender agrees to be repaid after the reverse mortgage is repaid. Generally only state or local government lending agencies are willing to consider "subordinating" their loans in this way.

Debt Limit
The debt you owe on a reverse mortgage equals all the loan advances you receive (including any you used to finance the loan or to pay off prior debt), plus all the interest that is added to your loan balance. If that amount is less than your home is worth when you pay back the loan, then you (or your estate) keep whatever amount is left over.
But if your rising loan balance ever grows to equal the value of your home, then your total debt is limited by the value of your home. Put another way, you can never owe more than what your home is worth at the time the loan is repaid. The lender may not seek repayment from your income, your other assets, or from your heirs.
(The technical term for this cap on your debt is a "non-recourse limit." It means that the lender does not have legal recourse to anything other than your home's value when seeking repayment of the loan.)

Repayment
All reverse mortgages are due and payable when the last surviving borrower dies, sells the home, or permanently moves out of the home. (Typically, a "permanent move" means that neither you nor any other co-borrower has lived in your home for one continuous year.)
Reverse mortgage lenders can also require repayment at any time if you:
- fail to pay your property taxes;
- fail to maintain and repair your home; or
- fail to keep your home insured.
These are fairly standard "conditions of default" on any mortgage. On a reverse mortgage, however, lenders generally have the option to pay for these expenses by reducing your loan advances and using the difference to pay these obligations. This is only an option, however, if you have not already used up all your available loan funds.
Other default conditions on most home loans, including reverse mortgages, include:
- your declaration of bankruptcy;
- your donation or abandonment of your home;
- your perpetration of fraud or misrepresentation;
- if a government agency needs your property for public use (for example, to build a highway); or
- if a government agency condemns your property (for example, for health or safety reasons).
Changes that could affect the security of the loan for the lender can also make reverse mortgages payable. For example:
- renting out part or all of your home;
- adding a new owner to your home's title;
- changing your home's zoning classification; or
- taking out new debt against your home.
You must read the loan documents carefully to make certain you understand all the conditions that can cause your loan to become due.

Cancellation
After closing a reverse mortgage, you have three days to reconsider your decision. If for any reason you decide you do not want the loan, you can cancel it. But you must do this within three business days after closing. "Business days" include Saturdays, but not Sundays or legal public holidays.
If you decide to cancel, you must do it in writing, using the form provided by the lender, or by letter, fax, or telegram. It must be hand delivered, mailed, faxed, or filed with a telegraph company before midnight of the third business day. You cannot cancel by telephone or in person. It must be written.

MASTERCARD CREDIT CARDS

2007-03-24T05:34:00.000-07:00

CHASE PERFECTCARD™ MASTERCARD®

IntroAPR0%*
IntroPeriod 12 Months*
RegularAPR 14.24 %*
AnnualFee None*

-6% rebates on ALL gas purchases at ANY gas station for the first 90 days1
-3% rebates on ALL gas purchases at ANY gas station after the first 90 days2
-1% rebates on ALL other purchases made anywhere3
-0% Intro APR*
-The time period for the introductory APR and the balance transfers to which it will apply will be based on our review of your application and credit history
-No annual fee

UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT MASTERCARD®
IntroAPR 0%*
IntroPeriod 6 Months*
RegularAPR 14.24 %*
AnnualFee None*

-Excellent Benefits
-0% Intro APR* for up to 6 months.
-The time period for the introductory APR and the balances to which it will apply will be based on our review of your application and credit history.
-No Annual Fee.
-Opening Weekend Tickets to Universal Movies.
-Discounts on Universal Studios Theme ParkSM tickets, merchandise and more.

CHASE STUDENT FLEXIBLE REWARDS CARD
IntroAPR 0%*
IntroPeriod 6 Months*
RegularAPR 18.24 %*
AnnualFee None*

-0% Introductory APR on all purchases and balance transfers for up to 6 months*
-1 point per eligible dollar spent in net purchases1
-No Annual Fee

ADVANTA LIFE-OF-BALANCE-PLATINUM CARD

IntroAPR 2.99%BT Only*
IntroPeriod 3 Months*
RegularAPR 9.99 %*
AnnualFee None*

-2.99% Fixed APR for Life on balances transferred within 3 months
-Choice of 6% Cash Back or Travel Rewards
-No Annual Fee and No Limit on Earnings
-$0 Fraud Liability
-Personalized card -- your company name on the top of the card

ADVANTA PLATINUM BUSINESS CARD

IntroAPR 0%*
IntroPeriod 12 Months*
RegularAPR 14.24 %*
AnnualFee None*

-0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 12 Months
-Prime + 5.99% Variable APR thereafter
-Up to $50,000 Credit Line
-No Annual Fee
-$0 Fraud Liability
-Personalized card -- your company name on the top of the card

ADVANTA PLATINUM BUSINESS CARD WITH REWARDS

IntroAPR 0%*
IntroPeriod 15 Months*
RegularAPR .99 %*
AnnualFee None*

-Here is THE VERY BEST credit card available.
-0% APR for 15 Months on Balance Transfers, 7.99% Fixed APR thereafter
-7.99% Variable APR on Purchases
-Choice of 5% Cash Back or Travel Rewards
-No Annual Fee and No Limit on Earnings
-$0 Fraud Liability
-Personalized card -- your company name on the top of the card

CHASE CONTINENTAL AIRLINES® WORLD MASTERCARD®

IntroAPR 7.99%*
IntroPeriod 6 Months*
RegularAPR 18.24 %*
AnnualFee $85*

-15,000 Bonus OnePass® miles after your first purchase
-DOUBLE OnePass miles at Continental Airlines and other popular merchants and OnePass mile for every $1 you spend everywhere else
-Earn double miles at over 10,000 restaurants across the U.S. and Canada when you pay for your purchase with your Chase card.
-No expiration of miles and no limit on how many miles you can earn

ACCOUNT NOW™ VANTAGE DEBIT MASTERCARD®

IntroAPR n/a*
IntroPeriod n/a*
RegularAPR n/a %*
AnnualFee **

-Perfect alternative to a checking account!
-Debit MasterCard ®
-Keep track of your monthly spending
-Make purchases online & offline
-NO need to carry cash
-Free Direct Deposit - Save hundreds!
-NO more check cashing fees
-FDIC Insured Deposits up to $100,000

UNION PLUS® MASTERCARD®

IntroAPR 1.99%*
IntroPeriod 6 Months*
RegularAPR 13.24 %*
AnnualFee *

-Attention Union Members!Only the Union Plus MasterCard offers you exclusive money saving benefits and Triple PlusSM Features that no other card can equal:
-FREE Rewards Program designed for hard-working union members.
-Get 2,000 bonus points after first purchase, more than halfway to a $25 Gift Card.
-Earn 1 Point for every dollar spent anywhere
-Earn 2 Points for every dollar spent at gas stations, grocery stores, and drug stores.
-NO Balance Transfer Fees and APR stays FIXED until the balance is paid in full*.
-1.99% introductory APR on new purchases*.
-All Calls answered in the United States.
-No annual fee and No liability for unauthorized use.

TRIBUTE® MASTERCARD®

IntroAPR n/a*
IntroPeriod n/a*
RegularAPR 19.75 %*
AnnualFee $150*

-Have bad credit? Apply for an unsecured Tribute® MasterCard® Card and receive a 30-second online response - no fee to apply.
-Unsecured MasterCard®
-Accepted at millions of locations worldwide
-Credit Line increase within 6 months when you make payments on time

WESTERN UNION® PREPAID MASTERCARD®

IntroAPR n/a*
IntroPeriod n/a*
RegularAPR n/a %*
AnnualFee None*

-Easy to get! Easy to use!The Western Union® Prepaid MasterCard®1is easy to get. No credit checks, no lengthy application, a non-refundable $9.95 Enrollment Fee for the card and you don’t even need a bank account.
-Shop wherever MasterCard debit cards are accepted.
-Access cash from participating ATMs2.
-Reload cash on your card at any of our 47,000 participating
-Western Union Agent locations in the U.S.
-Directly deposit your paycheck3 on the card and we'll waive the $4.95 Monthly Account Maintenance Fee4!
-Check your card balance online or over the phone.

VISA CREDIT CARDS

2007-03-24T00:04:00.000-07:00

CHASE PLATINUM VISA® CARD
IntroAPR 0%*
IntroPeriod 12 Months*
RegularAPR 14.24%*
Annual Fee None*

-0% APR* for up to 12 months
-No Annual Fee
-1 point for every dollar spent
-Redeem for Travel, Cash, Merchandise or Gift Certificates/Cards

CHASE FREE CASH REWARDS (SM) VISA® CARD

IntroAPR 0%*
IntroPeriod 12 Months
RegularAPR 14.24%*
AnnualFee None*

-Earn 1 point for every dollar in purchases - Choose from a variety of great brand name products
-1,000 Bonus Points with your first purchase
-Intro 0% Fixed APR for up to 12 months* on all purchases and balance transfers
-The time period for the introductory APR and the balance transfers to which it will apply will be based on our review of your application and credit history
-No Annual Fee
-Get your rewards with as few as 2,500 points
-Choose from either a $25 check or a $25 gift card/certificate from leading national merchants for every 2,500 points earned

CHASE FLEXIBLE REWARDS PLATINUM VISA® CARD

IntroAPR 0%*
IntroPeriod 12 months*
RegularAPR 14.24%*
AnnualFee None*

-Earn 1 point for every dollar spent1Earn travel fast! All your purchases earn you points.
-Earn airline tickets, hotel stays, or car rentals
-0% introductory APR* for up to 12 months on all purchases and balance transfers. Save even more with low rates.
-The time period for the introductory APR and the balance transfers to which it will apply will be based in our review of your application and credit history.
-No Annual Fee

CHASE TRAVEL PLUS PLATINUM VISA®

IntroAPR 0%*
IntroPeriod 12 Months*
RegularAPR 14.24%*

AnnualFee $29*

-0% Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for up to 12 months
-Low annual fee of $29
-1 mile for every dollar in purchases
-Redeem miles for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, cruises and other travel related items
-Choose from over 250 airlines without restrictions

CHASE PLATINUM VISA® BUSINESS CARD

IntroAPR 0%*

IntroPeriod 12 Months*

RegularAPR 12.24%*
AnnualFee None*

-0% APR for up to 12 months on purchases and balance transfers
-No Annual Fee
-Free Online Reporting
-Platinum business benefits
-Visa business partner advantage

THE CHASE BUSINESS REBATE CARD
IntroAPR 0%*

IntroPeriod 12 months*

RegularAPR 14.24%*

AnnualFee None*

-3% Cash Back** for purchases at restaurants, gas stations, office supply stores, building supply stores, hardware and home improvement stores
-1% Cash Back on all other purchases
-0% APR for up to 12 Months* on purchases and balance transfers
-No Annual Fee
-FREE additional cards for your employees, FREE quarterly reports, and other online account management tools to help you keep track of your business expenses

THE SONY CARD (SM) VISA®

IntroAPR 0%*
IntroPeriod 12 months*
RegularAPR 14.24%*
AnnualFee None*

-Intro 0% Introductory APR for up to 12 months*
-No Annual Fee
-1,500 Bonus pts after first use
-1 Sony Reward Point per dollar spent
-3 Sony Reward Points per dollar spent on Sony products
-5 Sony Reward Points per dollar spent at MySony
-Redeem for Sony products

BRITISH AIRWAYS VISA® SIGNATURE CARD

IntroAPR 4.90%*
IntroPeriod 4.90%*
RegularAPR 17.24%*
AnnualFee $75

-Enjoy a distinctly rewarding card...
-4.9% Fixed APR for the first 5 Months
-15,000 Bonus Miles after first use
-2 BA Miles for every dollar spent on British Airways purchases
-1 BA Mile for every dollar spent on all other purchases
-$250 off Club WorldSM advance purchase fares to London
-Complimentary Companion Ticket each full-fare FIRST, Club WorldSM or World Traveller Plus ticket
-$20 off any British Airways ticket purchase made with card
-Redeem miles for flights

CHASE BP VISA®REWARDS CARD

IntroAPR 0%*
IntroPeriod 6 Months*
RegularAPR 15.24%*
AnnualFee None*

-Earn up to 10% in introductory rebates
-Rebates and Redemption
-There's no limit to the amount of rebates you can earn!
-Every time you accumulate at least $25 in rebates, you decide how and when to redeem your reward. Redeem for your choice of:
-A BP Gift Card
-A check made payable to you
-A donation to The Conservation Fund

BORDERS 3.2.1 (SM) VISA®

IntroAPR 0%*
IntroPeriod 12 Months*
RegularAPR 15.24%*
AnnualFee None*

-0% Fixed APR* for up to 12 months
-No Annual Fee
-1,000 Bonus pts after first qualified purchase
-3 points for every dollar spent at Borders®, Borders Express, Borders.com, Waldenbooks® and Waldenbooks.com
-2 points for every dollar spent on eligible Gas, Dining and Grocery purchases
-1 point for every dollar spent anywhere else
-No cap on points earned
-Redeem points for Cash or Rewards

STARBUCKS CARD DUETTO™ VISA®

IntroAPR 0%*
IntroPeriod 6 Months*
RegularAPR 14.24%*

AnnualFee None

-Enjoy a 0% intro APR for up to 6 billing cycles, no annual fee and a wide range of Visa benefits
-Get $10 Duetto™ Dollars in your Starbucks Card Account when you make your 1st Visa purchase
-Get 1% of all your Visa purchases back in Duetto™ Dollars
-Earn fast and frequent rewards at Starbucks

VOLKSWAGEN PLATINUM VISA® CARD WITH REWARDS

INRO APR 0%*
IntroPeriod 12 Months*
RegularAPR 15.24%*

AnnualFee None*

-You earn two points1 for every dollar spent on Volkswagen stuff. One point1 for every dollar spent anywhere else. The more you spend, the more points you earn toward VW cars, VW gear, VW service, and even some stuff that has nothing to do with VW. There are hundreds of rewards to be had.

PULASKI BANK VISA GOLD

IntroAPR 0%BT Only*
IntroPeriod 6 Months*
RegularAPR 09.5%*

AnnualFee None*

-9.50% APR
-Low Rate
-No Annual Fee
-0% Balance Transfers

UNITED MILEAGE PLUS® PLATINUM BUSINESS CARD

IntroAPR n/a*
IntroPeriod n/a*

RegularAPR 18.24%*
AnnualFee $75*

-17,500 Bonus Miles after your first purchase1
-2 miles for every $1 spent on United purchases - up to an annual cap of 150,000 miles2
-1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases
-Free* Travel Certificates
-Free One-way, 1,000 mile, One-class Upgrade Certificate
-$25 United Discount Travel Certificate
-Visa® Platinum Business Card Benefits
-Manage and track your business expenses online
-24-hour Travel and Emergency Assistance

WIRED PLASTIC™ PREPAID VISA® CARD

IntroAPR n/a*
IntroPeriod n/a*
RegularAPR n/a%*
AnnualFee n/a*

-No Upfront Payment Required - Receive your new Visa card in as little as 3 days
-Overdraft Safety Program - Qualify to receive up to a $1500 cash advance directly to your card!
-Rewards Program - Earn 1 point for every $1 spent, redeem points for; LD Phone Calls, Prepaid Wireless Airtime and Music Downloads
-Integrated Bill Pay Service - Pay any bill online or over the phone, even if they don't accept credit or debit cards.
-Convenient Loading Options - Free Direct Deposit or add cash instantly at over 100,000 retail locations nationwide

THE WORLDPERKS® VISA®

IntroAPR n/a*
IntroPeriod n/a*
RegularAPR 18%*
AnnualFee $55 or $90*

-Visa is accepted at millions of locations worldwide, so you can use it almost anywhere you can pay cash or write a check. Now take advantage of this special limited-time offer: apply for the WorldPerks Visa Card today and earn up to 10,000 Bonus Miles!* Don't delay - it's your opportunity to earn even more WorldPerks miles!

LIBERTY UNION VISA® DEBIT CARD

IntroAPR n/a*
IntroPeriod n/a*
RegularAPR n/a%*
AnnualFee **

-Enjoy the Purchasing Power of the Liberty Union Credit Card with up to a $5,000 Load Limit
-Cardholders may be Approved for a separate UNSECURED Cash Advance Loan of up to $1,500
-No Credit Checks
-No Turndowns*
-No Security Deposit
-No Employment Required

IMPACT PREPAID MASTERCARD® DEBIT CARD
IntroAPR n/a*
IntroPeriod n/a*
RegularAPR n/a%*
AnnualFee **

-No Credit Checks
-No Turndowns
-No Annual Fees
-No Security Deposit
-No Employment Requirement

ALL-ACCESS ® VISA PREPAID CARD

IntroAPR n/a*

IntroPeriod n/a*
RegularAPR n/a%*
AnnualFee None*

-Annual Fee: $0
-Cash Advance Fee: $2.00 for U.S. ATM transactions; $4.95 for international ATM
-Minimum Deposit: $10
-Application Fee: $9.95
-Participation Fee: ($9.95 monthly) or optionally pay per transaction
-Reload Fee: $0 for direct deposits or PayPal transfers, $4.95 for ACH or credit or debit card transfers; In person retail cash load fees vary by merchant location
-Inactive Fee: $5.95

BANK OF AMERICA STUDENT VISA® PLATINUM PLUS® CREDIT CARD

IntroAPR n/a*

IntroPeriod n/a*
RegularAPR 19.24%*

AnnualFee None*

-Build your credit history
-No cosigner required
-No annual fee
-Online Banking Service
-Total Security Protection®
-Card issued by FIA Card Services, N.A

CHASE AMAZONE.COM BUSINESS VISA® CARD

IntroAPR 0%*
IntroPeriod 6 Months*
RegularAPR 17.24%*
AnnualFee None*

-Earn 1,500 Bonus Points2 after your first purchase with your Amazon.com Visa® Card
-Free rewards that come quickly, easily, and automatically1
-Earn 3 reward points for every dollar spent at Amazon.com
-Earn 1 reward point for every dollar spent on purchases elsewhere
-For every 2,500 reward points, you'll receive a $25 Amazon.com Reward Certificate
-Online quarterly management reports help you track spending
-0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases and balance transfers, variable rate thereafter*
-All authorized card users under your account earn points for you
-No Annual Fee
-Zero Liability on Unauthorized Purchases

AMAZONE.COM PLATINUM VISA CARD®

IntroAPR 0%*
IntroPeriod 6 Months*
RegularAPR 17.24%*
AnnualFee None*

-Earn 1,500 Bonus Points2 after your first purchase with your Amazon.com Visa® Card
-Free rewards that come quickly, easily, and automatically1
-Earn 3 reward points for every dollar spent at Amazon.com
-Earn 1 reward point for every dollar spent on purchases elsewhere
-For every 2,500 reward points, you'll receive a $25 Amazon.com Reward Certificate
-0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases and balance transfers, variable rate thereafter*
-Recognized everywhere Visa is accepted
-No Annual Fee
-Zero Liability on Unauthorized Purchases

CHASE HOME IMPROVEMENT REWARDS (SM) CARD

IntroAPR 0%*
IntroPeriod 12 Months*
RegularAPR 14.24%*
AnnualFee None*

-0% INTRO APR for up to 12 months*
-Zircon iLine Laser LevelYours FREE after your first purchase, a $39.95 value!1
-Earn up to 3 points on purchases2Put your home improvement purchases to work for you by earning 3 points for each eligible $1 spent on home improvement. That's a full 3% Cash Back! Plus, 1 point on all other purchases and interest.2
-Redeem your points easilyRedeem 2,500 points for either a $25 Gift Card or Gift Certificate, or a $25 check.
-Participate in sweepstakesTake advantage of sweepstakes opportunities that will get you closer to your dream home!3
-Exclusive tips from the expertsWork like the pros with hints and tips in every statement, as Well as an exclusive e-newsletter from the editors of The Family Handyman magazine

CHASE OVERSTOCK.COM REWARDS VISA® CARD

IntroAPR 0%*
IntroPeriod 6 Billing Cycles*
RegularAPR 14.24%*
AnnualFee None*

-0% Introductory APR for up to 6 months
-No Annual Fee
-$25 Overstock certificate after first purchase
-3 Reward points for every dollar spent at Overstock.com
-1 Reward point on all other purchases
-For every 2500 Rewards points, automatically receive $25 Overstock Reward certificate

FINANCIAL REWARDS® VISA® PLATINUM PLUS CARD

IntroAPR 0%*

IntroPeriod 6 Billing Cycles*

RegularAPR 14.24%*

AnnualFee None*

-0% Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)† on purchases and balance transfers for the first 6 billing cycles
-Earn 5 bonus points with your first purchase
-Points do not expire for 5 years
-Online Banking Service
-Total Security Protection®
-No annual fee
-Card issued by FIA Card Services, N.A

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Credit Card Basic Information

2007-03-09T11:27:00.000-08:00

It's hard to imagine doing business today without credit cards. If you are among the relatively few who do not own a credit card, the chances are good that you have a great deal of difficulty rent a car or reserving a hotel room. So, just what are these little plastic cards and how do they work? Let's start by explaining the basics.

The dictionary defines a credit card as
'A card which can be used to obtain cash, goods or services up to a stipulated credit limit. The supplier is later paid by the credit card company which in due course is reimbursed by the credit card holder who will be charged interest at the end of the credit period if money is still owing.'
In other words, whatever you charge to your credit account has to be paid back within the credit cycle or an interest amount will be applied to the remaining balance.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Credit Cards
The obvious advantage to using a credit card is that it allows you to purchase some goods or services that you may not be able to pay for immediately. The credit cycle is usually about 30 days, and if the money is paid in that amount of time, there is no interest attached to the money borrowed. This sounds good in theory, but the bottom line is that most Americans don't pay off their balances on a monthly basis. This is where some of the disadvantages come into play.
Any amount that isn't paid off within the time of the monthly cycle will be subjected to an interest charge. Depending upon the rate charged by the specific card issuer, that interest rate can be huge. On top of that, many people will continue to charge things to their card and the balance and interest just continues to grow until they have no hope of ever paying the card off if they just make the minimum required payment.

Credit Requirements
Chances are that every few days you get a pre-approved credit card application with your name on it. Sounds easy, doesn't it? Well, read the fine print and you'll see that many of these offers come with heavy penalties that can add up to high interest rates and annual fees.
To get the best possible interest rate with no additional fees, the credit companies will look at your credit history for information. They will check to see that you are responsible with your credit and have paid your bills in a timely manner. Signs of stability and credit responsibility will go a long way in reducing the amount of interest that card company will charge you. Outstanding loans with late payments and too much available credit will work against you.
Although credit cards can be great in an emergency situation, they can easily get out of hand. Before you apply for one, decide in advance what you plan to use it for. If used with discretion, they can come in pretty handy.

Credit Cards Guides

2007-03-09T11:07:00.000-08:00

Credit cards can be used as a form of borrowing used to purchase goods and services, to obtain cash advances and for consolidating debt. For the majority of credit cards interest is charged if the balance is not paid in full by the 'payment-due date'. You can benefit from up to 59 days interest-free credit depending upon when your purchase is made. Some card providers charge an annual fee which can be waived in certain circumstances. A specified credit limit for each cardholder will be agreed at the outset and depends upon individual circumstances and can be regularly reviewed. Most credit card issuers insist on the cardholder paying a minimum amount each month or paying a percentage of any outstanding balance each month. There is usually a penalty for late or returned payments or for exceeding any personal credit limit. What are career development loans? Career development loans help you to finance your studies. This means you can improve your career prospects and so potential income. They can be used for full-time, part-time or distance learning provided the course is vocational and lasts no longer than two years. An additional 12 months is allowed if it is for relevant practical experience required by the cour Career development loans are deferred repayment loans. This means repayments are made at the end of the term of the loan. When applying for a career development loan, the bank will need check that you are eligible and meet all of their criteria.