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Posts Tagged ‘credit cards’

Many credit card holders aspire for a higher credit card limit. The obvious reason for this is that a higher credit card limit enables the purchase of otherwise unaffordable merchandise.

First and foremost, credit card holders need to remember that to get a higher credit card limit, they must abide by the terms and conditions of the credit card company or bank.

Below are 7 other ways to get a higher credit card limit.

• The most important thing to do for getting a higher credit card limit is to prove your credit worthiness. This is the first thing that banks and companies look for when giving a higher credit limit.

• Attract positive attention from the credit card company or bank by paying finance charges once in a while. Obviously, this is not advisable on a repeating basis and should only be used as a last resort to increase your chances of getting a higher credit limit.

Proving to credit card companies and banks that you are good “borrower” can be a convincing way to get a higher credit limit. But be careful because this strategy also means that you will be paying finance charges which can accumulate in a hurry.

And always remember, a higher credit card limit means greater purchasing power, but it also increases the risk of your having to pay greater interest charges and other processing and late fees.

• Always spend within your credit card limit because doing so means that you are capable of controlling your expenses.

• Use your credit cards regularly. Don’t keep your cards for emergency use only. If you use your credit cards sparingly, banks and credit card companies will be unable to understand your spending and pay-back behavior. Under these circumstances, most banks and credit card companies will be reluctant to give you a higher credit card limit.

• Never make minimum payments. Instead, try to pay for the entire outstanding amount. This will usually give you a better chance of getting a higher credit card limit.

• Avoid late payments as much as possible. Not only will your increase payment increase, but you may also have to pay an additional fine for not clearing bills on time. This will also dim your chances of getting a higher credit card limit.

• The best and simplest strategy for getting a higher credit card limit is to use your credit card wisely. Always keep in mind that credit card companies keep a record of your transactions and payment patterns, so always pay on-time.

The bottom line is that your performance in the records of banks and credit card companies will determine whether you’ll get a higher credit card limit or not.

1. Interest Backdating

Most card issuers charge interest from the day a charge is posted to your

account if you don¹t pay in full monthly. But, some charge interest from the

date of purchase, days before they have even paid the store on your behalf

REMEDY:Find another card issuer, or always pay your bill in full by the

due date.

2. Two-Cycle Billing

Issuers which use this method of calculating interest, charge two months worth

of interest for the first month you failed to pay off your total balance in

full. This issue arises only when you switch from paying in full to carrying a

balance from month to month.

REMEDY: Switch issuers or always pay your balance in full.

3. The Right To Setoff

If you have money on deposit at a bank, and also have your credit card there,

you may have signed an agreement when you opened the deposit account which

permits the bank to take those funds if you become delinquent on your credit

card.

REMEDY: Bank at separate institutions, or avoid delinquencies.

4. Fees Are Negotiable

You may be paying up to $50 a year or more as an annual fee on your credit card.

You may also be subject to finance charges of over 18%.

REMEDY: If you are a good customer, the bank may be willing to drop the

annual fee, and reduce the interest rate ‹ you only have to ask! Otherwise, you

can switch issuers to a lower- priced card.

5. Interest Rate Hikes Are Retroactive

If you sign up for a credit card with a low "teaser" rate, such as 7.9%, when

the low rate period expires, your existing balance will likely be subject to the

regular and substantially higher interest rate.

REMEDY: Pay in full before the rate increase or close the account.

6. Shortened Due Dates

Most card issuers offer a 25 day grace period in which to pay for new purchases

without incurring finance charges. Some banks have shortened the grace period to

20 days‹but only for customers who pay in full monthly.

REMEDY: Ask to go back to 25 days.