Guide To Credit Card Terms By: John Mussi Listed below is a useful guide to credit card terms. It is a list of definitions of credit card terms that may or may not be familiar to you. Annual Fee Various card issuers charge an annual fee, which can help offset costs that issuers incur in maintaining accounts and providing services. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) Stands for ‘annual percentage rate'. A figure, expressed as a percentage, which incorporates the interest charged upon the credit card as well as any additional fees. Association for Payment Clearing Services (APACS) The banking industry body that oversees money transmission and payment clearing activities in the UK. Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Another term for a cash machine. Balance The total amount that you owe your credit card provider and includes charges such as interest and fees. Balance Transfer Rate The interest rate that will be charged on any balance transferred from a previous credit card onto a new one. Cash Advance Withdrawing money from a cash machine using your credit card. There is usually a charge imposed for this service. A cash advance is different from a withdrawal you make with your ATM card. Charge Card This is a type of credit card often favoured by businesses on which the balance must be paid off in full each month. Credit Limit This is the maximum amount you can borrow using your card. Credit History A record of how you have paid accounts in the past; used as a guide to determine whether you're likely to pay accounts on time in the future. Credit Reference Agency Organisations that specialise in providing credit reports that assess an individual or business's credit risk. Credit Report An assessment of an individual or a company's credit risk. These reports are composed using a variety of informational sources and are used by lenders in order to assess applicants. Finance Charges The price paid to a lender for the use of borrowed money. Fixed Rate A set annual percentage rate that does not change in response to interest rate changes and conditions. Interest The charge that the lender imposes on the borrower for the granting of credit. Interest Free Period The period during which no interest will accrue on credit card transactions. Period The period during which the Introductory Rate applies to balances outstanding on your account. Introductory Rate A special annual percentage rate that applies for only a limited time. Minimum Payment This is the minimum amount that you will need to pay back each month on your credit card balance. Online Banking Online systems enable you to access a host of banking services from a personal computer by connecting with the bank's computers over the Internet. PIN Stands for ‘personal identification number' and is issued to a credit card holder in order to enable them to use cash machines to withdraw money. Rewards Program A point accumulating program based on purchases or transactions made on your card. About the Author: John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website .

Inside Finance Underinsuring Home Building And Contents   The True Cost Of Underinsuring Your Home Building And Contents is been discussed in this article. The insured has a duty to disclose to the insurer anything that they know or could reasonably be expected to know is relevant to the insurer’s decision to accept the risk and, if so, on what terms. For obvious reasons, this is called the Duty of Disclosure. Tips For Mortgage Application   There are some tips to be followed for the mortgage application forms. One way to smoothly go through the mortgage application process is to create your own application package approximately one year and no later than six months prior to applying for a residential mortgage loan. Future Asset Management   How asset management is useful in future is been discussed in this article. Asset management will enable my family to do all that. I will keep protecting my assets and keep my family in comfort because I hope that my legacy will not only be good stories and good times but the leisure to enjoy them in. Home Purchase Loans-Bad Credit   This article deals with home purchase loans.you can use the numbers you collected above to determine what terms and rates may generally apply to your financial situation and, with the help of a mortgage calculator, make an estimate of what a loan for a given amount will cost you monthly. There are a variety of other factors, such as points and closing costs that will affect that number, but for initial decision making as to whether or not you should purchase a home at this point in time, it is useful. There are many lenders willing to offer you a loan, even if your monthly mortgage payment surpasses the 30% of your income that is typically recommended. That does not make it a good idea. There are other expenses involved in home ownership that you’ll need to factor in, such as repairs and maintenance. Buying too soon could place an undue and unnecessary financial on your shoulders. Tips For Boat Insurance   Some of the boat insurance buying tips are been discussed. Boat insurance can be procured from either an independent insurance agent or from a direct marine insurance specialist. The purchase of boat insurance from either of the two proves to be a good and wise move. It is necessary to be buying the boat insurance policy from none other than a reputable agent or provider in order to save yourself from the annoying possibilities of scam.