dcsimg Credit cards-myths and picks - indexcreditcards.com

Credit Card Calculators

How long will it take to pay off my credit card?

In the News
  • "As comprehensive a list as you'll find of all the credit card offers on the table now."

Credit cards–myths and picks

by Indexcreditcards Indexcreditcards
Credit cards–myths and picks

Credit card myths

Did you see The Early Show on CBS News yesterday (Wednesday)? It included a report by Rebecca Jarvis about some of the myths surrounding credit cards. In case you missed it, here are some highlights.

Credit cards and supporting ID

Did you know that most credit card companies prohibit merchants from asking for supporting ID when they swipe a card? With so much fraud around that’s crazy, right? Wrong. If a clerk in a store has access to your credit card details AND personal information contained in your ID (address, date of birth) then you could be much more vulnerable to identity theft.

That’s why credit card companies say that your signature is ID enough. It’s true that American Express and Discover don’t have an outright ban on stores asking for extra ID, but even they actively discourage it. And so should you.

Credit reports aren’t infallible

CBS News quotes experts who say that 80 percent of credit reports contain wrong information, even if your credit history is spotless.

It’s important to correct any error as soon as you can. However, attorney John G. Watts–whose firm, Watts Law Group, PC, of Birmingham, Alabama, advises many victims of inaccurate credit reporting–says that credit bureaus often refuse to remove erroneous information when asked, even if evidence of the mistake is provided. This blog will soon be passing on to readers John’s advice about what to do if you find yourself in that situation.

Credit scores aren’t boosted by positive balances

Some people think that they can improve their credit score if they overpay their cards, and keep a positive balance on their accounts. That’s a myth, and all that you’re doing is giving your credit card companies interest-free loans.

CBS News quoted a spokesperson from the Experian credit bureau who said that all positive balances are reported as zero balances for credit scoring purposes.

Credit cards–how to pick ’em

Also yesterday, The Christian Science Monitor ran a feature about how to choose a credit card. Its advice? “Pick the issuer, then the card, to get the best deal.”

This tip was based on J.D. Power and Associates’ 2010 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Survey, which was reported on this blog on August 23. And it’s not a wholly bad idea.

However, there is another way of looking at this. If you’re serious about getting a great deal, you first need to analyze your credit card use in detail. If you regularly carry balances forward, then credit card rates may be your first priority. If you always pay on time and in full, then you may want to avoid annual fees, or find a good rewards program. If you need a balance transfer credit card, then you should look for a card with a long low- or zero-percent introductory rate.

The best of both worlds

Of course, if you can find a great deal from one of the credit card companies that did head the J.D. Power list, then go for it. American Express holds the No. 1 spot, and it has products that could suit many people.

The point is to always match the card you choose to your credit card use patterns.

Disclaimer:The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that credit card offers change frequently. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. See the online credit card application for full terms and conditions on offers and rewards. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit card prior to applying.

This content is not provided by any company mentioned in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any such company. CardRatings.com does not review every company or every offer available on the market.

Published  (Modified )

Share this article with: