Three Credit Card Tips for College Grads

One of the scariest and most intimidating factors arriving with your diploma are those “financial” responsibilities that were so easily neglected from the safety blanket of a meal plan and student credit cards.

If you’re a college grad in need of some financial advice, a simple Google search will bring you to helpful articles on sites like moneysmartlife.com, askmrcreditcard.com and redeemingriches.com.

Regardless of the source, the information remains similar: College grads spend like they’re rich but in reality they’re dirt poor. The problem is, there’s no academic adviser to get you out of bad credit.

1. While getting your first “real world” credit card, keep an eye out for no annual fees, cash back options, travel rewards, and low APR on purchases and balance transfers.

2. In order to avoid a future of bad credit, it’s important to take a quick study session and learn the basics of your finances now. Build your credit history, pay your bills fully and on time, and remember just because you might be interning for P. Diddy doesn’t mean you can spend money like P. Diddy.

3. Depending on your jobs, your budgets will vary. Regardless of the amount of your new steady income, be sure to put a little money away for emergencies that may be a little more serious than those trips to Student Health.

Use Credit Cards for VIP Perks

So we’ve all heard about how American Express’ infamous Black Card will get you 24/7 concierge services along with other luxurious perks, but with a $250,000 per year spending minimum, it isn’t for everyone’s wallet.

Don’t let your lack of celebrity status get you down, there are many other credit cards that can help give you access to some pretty cool, affordable VIP services.

Big layover? Want to get into that airport lounge? If you’re an American Express Platinum card holder, forget the expensive annual membership fees. Flash your plastic along with a same-day ticket, ditch the crowded airport Starbucks, and get access to participating American, Continental, Delta and Northwest VIP lounges.

Can’t wait till game day? Credit cards sporting your team’s logo are available from Bank of America. Along with the opportunity to show your team pride with every purchase, gifts such as jerseys can be offered, as well as VIP stadium access and game tickets.

Kids can’t wait to go to Disneyland? Bring Mickey into your wallet with Chase’s Disney Rewards Credit Card, giving you discounts on Disney theme parks, vacations and stores.

Also, if you’re an animal lover, you can store one of Bank of America’s preservation-oriented organization cards, or PETA credit card in your pleather purse. Spending with these cards will help these organization’s causes.

Hunting and fishing enthusiasts can set their sites on the other end of the spectrum by reeling out Bass Pro Shop’s plastic, giving you discounts on various outdoor goods.

Whether you’re interested in airfare or animals, you can customize your cards to help add a little VIP flare into your lifestyle.

Milwaukee’s Lowest Credit Rates Guaranteed for One Year

As of Feb. 22, 2010 President Barack Obama’s new Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009 became a law. The new law states credit card companies cannot raise interest rates within the first year after an account is opened.

After using this site to find Milwaukee’s best credit card rates, this is a great opportunity for new card users to find low interest credit card accounts and begin establishing credit without worrying about sudden spikes in interest.

Prior to the CARD Act, credit card companies were able to raise rates without warning or provocation. Now, companies are unable to increase interest rates without a 45 day advanced warning, unless an individual is 60 days past due on payments.

The law also states that if credit card payments are made in full for six consecutive months, users will be rewarded as their original rates will be restored.

Milwaukee Credit Card Rates

Shopping at the Mayfair Mall is a wonderful way to spend a day. Many big brand name stores are all here, offering shoppers deals and discounts every day. It’s probably a good idea to bring a low rate credit card with you. If you don’t currently have one, let Milwaukee Banking Rates help you find one today.

Finding the best credit card rates is everyone’s goal, of course, but it requires a lot of time and effort. Milwaukee Banking Rates could do the research for you, while you spend your time enjoying life.

Getting a Low Milwaukee, WI Credit Card Rate

Milwaukee Banking Rates recommends that you only spend what you can afford each month, but if you do find yourself not being able to pay your full credit card balance each month, then use a Credit Card with the lowest possible interest rate. Some Credit Cards may offer a much lower interest rate without all the extra perks and cash-back bonuses. These benefits may be great, but if you know you will be paying interest each month, work with the Credit card with the lowest rates.

If you have managed your credit well, getting the lowest credit card rates will be easy. If you’re like many consumers today, it is likely you have late payments, have gone over your credit limit in the past, or have had credit card balances that are too high. Milwaukee Banking Rates will help connect you with the best credit card companies for the most competitive rates.