Who wouldnt want to get some cashback just for using their credit card to pay for their shopping?

With the festive season almost upon us, credit cards everywhere are taking a hammering. No matter how tight our budgets, we’ll always spare some cash for Christmas.

But wouldn’t it be great if we could feel we are earning even a little while we spend?

Seasoned cardholders know we can – and that’s by using a cashback credit card. These cards simply offer a percentage of your spend back as cash (up to a limit). Then, typically when the anniversary of your card is reached, you receive the cashback either as credit on your account, or as a cheque.

Sounds great, but what if you don’t really use your credit card? Well, it

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How can you improve your credit score if you don’t have any credit cards?

When you use a credit card you decide how much to charge and how much to repay each month.

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A recent audit at the University of Newcastle revealed that the 1,001 employees that had corporate credit cards managed to spend $19 million last year.

According to the educational establishment, many of those issued to workers were for travel or repeat supplies.

The processes surrounding use of the universitys plastic were questioned by New South Wales auditor Peter Achterstraat, who recommended that a complete review be conducted.

Nearly 15 per cent of employees used their credit cards for personal expenditure, although all but $2,625 had been recovered by the end of the year.

A spokesperson for the establishment said: “The university agrees the number of credit cards needs to be reduced and a reduction program is already being implemented.”

With 293 cards suspended and 46 cancelled last year, some staff may be going online to compare credit cards to get their own plastic.

This comes after a study by RMIT University found that men are more likely to make impulse purchases than women, reported the Herald Sun.

Credit card Q&A: “What credit card limit can I get?”

Consumers are often curious about what they’ll qualify for in the way of a credit card, if approved at all.

Unfortunately, it’s always a bit of a mystery until after you apply and receive your credit card .

But you can certainly clue yourself in a bit before you apply.

Credit card issuers tend to look at two main things, including your credit score and your income.

It used to be household income, but now it’s just your income, since living with your wealthy parents doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll pony up if you can’t pay your debts.

Credit card companies also ask for employment information to get a better idea of what you make, considering the fact that you simply state a number on the credit card application.

They then take this information and look at it alongside your credit score, along with the information in your credit report, to determine your credit card limit.

Lower Credit Scores and Income = Lower Credit Card Limits

Generally, those with lower credit scores and lower gross annual income will receive lower credit card limits, and vice versa.

So a consumer with an average credit score and low income who applies for a credit card may receive a $3,000 credit card limit, while a consumer with an excellent credit score and higher-than-average income may receive a $25,000 credit card limit.

Of course, it’s hard to just say you’re this, so you’ll get that.

The takeaway is higher income and credit scores equals higher credit card limits.

Additionally, those with limited credit history will see lower limits than those with proven track records of supporting large amounts of debt, so understand that it takes time.

Keep in mind that charge cards don’t have a pre-set spending limit, but must be paid in full each month.

Tip: Having a lot of outstanding credit card debt can lower your credit score, so it’s best to keep balances to a minimum, regardless of your credit card limit.

Aussies who love to go out on a spending spree with their credit cards to purchase the latest gadgets may be spending up to 50 per cent more than their US counterparts.

Australian Retailers Association executive director Russell Zimmerman told the Australian that one of the reasons for this is that vendors in the country have the second highest tenancy costs in the world.

“You have to ask whats the retailer paying his supplier for his goods in relation to what the retailer in the US pays his supplier,” he added.

Among the discrepancies in pricing identified by the publication were that of the Lenovo X1 computer, which can be purchased for US$1,191 ($1,130) from the US parent site, but will set Aussies back $1,979.

Apple was also found to have placed significantly higher mark ups on its products, with the iPad 2 selling for between $80 and $120 more for those using their credit or debit cards in Australian outlets.

Last month, Canons Digital Lifestyle Index showed that Aussies spent $6.8 billion on gadgets during 2008.