“I’m sorry, ma’am. Your card has been declined,” says the cashier.

Your reply: “Excellent!”

A confusing reaction? It will make sense soon, if you get a new MasterCard from Citigroup with the InControl service, described by the New York Times as a “financial chastity belt.” InControl allows consumers to set their own limits on spending in overall terms or in various categories, in addition to various identity-theft and fraud protection services.

You could limit yourself to no more than $75 per month in new clothing or restaurant spending, or set a floating cap that cuts your card off once your total charges equal your checking account balance.

The service is supposed to roll out in the next few months, according to the Times, and initially, it will just offer alerts for when the card is used, by sending phone or email messages.

The move is a first for U.S. Read full article…

A new credit card from Halifax could help holidaymakers save money while they are on their travels.

The firm’s Clarity card will not charge a foreign exchange fee on any transaction or a cash withdrawal fee when used abroad, meaning savings for anyone leaving British shores.

Other benefits of the card include no balance transfer fee and no annual fee, while a rate of 12.9 per cent APR applies to all transactions including purchases, balance transfers and cash withdrawals.

Mark Powys of Halifax Credit Cards said: “Our research shows that three quarters of holidaymakers would be more likely to use a credit card abroad if they knew they wouldn’t incur any fees.

“The Halifax Clarity card is the best value option for customers planning their holiday budget, and with no cash fees and a single low rate however you use the card it’s a winner at home too.”

Another way in which holidaymakers can save money is to use prepaid cards, which not only provide an alternative to travellers’ cheques, but can also help to cut costs on budget airline flights . Read full article…

Even though the new credit card reform bill is meant to help consumers, companies are finding new ways to make money. There are many ways they are doing this, and if you carry a credit card you need to be aware of each and every one.

To start, rate hikes are not out of the question. In other words, you may find your interest rate climbing through the ceiling in the months to come. Credit card companies know that doing this can make them a lot of money because most consumers carry over a balance from month to month. Believe it or not, some consumers have found their rate increased to as much as 36 percent. What would that do to your balance?

What about new fees? This is also something that credit card companies are looking into.

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Despite the fact that there is a lot of information on the topic, choosing a new credit card is something that throws many consumers for a curve. If you are interested in applying for a new card, you need to take the right steps to ensure that you get what you want and need.

What is most important to you? The answer to this question will help you determine what you want from your new credit card.

For instance, do you want a card that has the lowest APR? In this case, you should keep this detail in mind above all others. Some cards have a lower APR; others offer other benefits.

While you want to think about particular credit card details, don’t overlook the company that you are going to do business with. I

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