It can often be easy for credit card holders to push the interest rates that they will end up paying to the back of their mind, so that they don’t have to feel guilty about making a purchase. Yet, the fact is that credit cards are expensive and any borrower who knows how to add up exactly how much their Visa or Mastercard is costing them, including the interest and fees, is going to be ahead of the game, and make better informed buying decisions.

The first type of cost that consumers should consider is their annual fee. This is usually a small, token amount, but should not be overlooked. A $99 a year annual fee still costs the card holder $1200 every ten years, which should be considered against the card that does not charge an annual fee at all. W

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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 (and its related terms).

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 (and schooling prior to that) 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.

Millions of Americans have credit cards, and most do not use them responsibly. In fact, the majority of credit card holders do not even know how to use their credit cards responsibly, but does the very fact of having a credit card and a credit card limit available to spend make some customers spend more? Some experts say yes, even if the borrower knows that they will end up paying a great deal more on money they spend with their credit card. The fact is, many people unconsciously factor in their credit card limit when they think about how much money they have to spend, and if they have already spend their paycheck, the credit card is a temping option when they want something.

This question has been the focus of heavy debate for years.

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  Widespread predictions that the Credit CARD Act of 2009 would usher in a new era of rising interest rates, sky-high annual fees and other bank penalties were off the mark, according to a new study released Tuesday by the Pew Safe Credit Cards Project.   The Pew study analyzed 300 cards issued by 12 leading U.S. banks and 12 credit unions and found that interest rates have mostly leveled off since 2010, annual fees have gone up only slightly and penalty charges have dropped sharply in the last year. Over-limit fees, in turn, have all but disappeared.    The study’s findings indicate that most banks have found a way to live with the new rules imposed by the Credit CARD Act and still turn a profit, despite the strict regulations. “The Read full article…

People often consider closing their credit card accounts when they have moved onto a new card, or when they owe money to the credit card company. This is not, however, generally advisable because the information on a credit report will remain for at least seven years. This means that people gain nothing by closing their credit card accounts when they are in debt, and in fact, end up actually dinging their credit score even worse.

One reason for not cancelling a bad credit history is present is that the good credit history that a person has built up may disappear, whereas keeping a card open and active ensures that the credit card company continues to report. When an account is closed the information drops off the credit report after seven years’ time, from the date of the last reported activity. T

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