Credit Card Now

Ever stopped by a convenience store to quickly buy a drink with your credit card only to have the cashier point to a tiny sign taped to the wall that says “Sorry—The Minimum Credit Card Purchase is $5?? How inconvenient is that?

I understand all the costs small business owners must endure to accept credit cards, but as a consumer, I think minimum purchase requirements really stink. Credit cards are all about convenience, and businesses that choose to accept them in an effort to conveniently grow their revenues shouldn’t be allowed to inconvenience customers by placing restrictions on when they can or can’t use credit cards.

Besides, it’s really embarrassing when I have to run back to the car to search for loose change.

If a business wants to make the decision to not accept credit cards at all, that’s perfectly fine. Put up a bi

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Are you familiar with the average credit card debt in the United States? Depending on who you ask, the figures are staggering: some studies suggest a figure of up to $9,000 per person. It’s hard to arrive at a single accurate answer to this question — but actually, it doesn’t really matter that much. What does matter is that any significant credit card debt is too much to carry.

What’s the Problem with Credit Card Debt?

Sure, any debt is problematic, but it’s simply a fact of life in modern America. Most people have mortgages for hundreds of thousands of dollars, so why does another five or six thousand dollars in credit card debt make a difference?

Actually, credit card debt is problematic for a number of reasons.

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The television commercials promising college degrees or professional certificates fast are hard to miss. The smiling TV actors offer assurances of future economic security and success. But might these programs be compared to subprime mortgages disguised in academic regalia?  

Schools like University of Phoenix, ITT Technical Institute and a host of others are part of the growing for-profit education sector that may the next industry to crash, burn and drag us all down with it, according to Steven Eisman, the investor famous for predicting the subprime mortgage crisis that set off the recession.

The glaring similarity between the subprime mortgage business and for-profit education is the issuance of loans to people who cannot repay them. Read more…

Unfortunately, bad credit cards are no longer the only type of credit scam out there. Even though they’re the most prominent, there are more and more people willing to take advantage of anyone in need. Part of this probably stems from our struggling economy — more people are struggling financially, and more people need credit. Part also comes from the fact that we’re an increasingly credit based society.

Regardless of the reasons, though, it’s important that you recognize the signs of bad credit cards and credit scams before you get sucked in.

Warning Signs of Credit Scams

Here are some warning signs that you’re falling victim to a credit scam.

-They advise you to use an EIN to get a new credit card.

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There’s a hot new offer out on the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express card, but it’s only good for the next week:

For a limited time only, get 30,000 Starpoints® after making just $1,000 in eligible purchases during the first 3 months of Cardmembership. This is our richest offer yet for the Card. The offer will only be available June 30 – July 6, 2010.

This offer is available on both the personal and business versions of the card. Previous Starwood Amex cardholders are not eligible.

Link (via FT)