Kellys Credit Information

Consolidating Credit Cards


Credit card consolidation is a popular solution for those with significant credit card debt, usually distributed on three or four different cards. Basically, this means putting all your debts together on a single card, like transferring it all to one loan. Of course, the goal is to pick a card that offers better conditions than what you already have, in order not only to simplify, but also to reduce your payments.

Since there are so many offers out there, and lenders fight over your business, you can sometimes find solutions that can save you thousands of dollars per year. If you consolidate your debt to a credit card with low interest and 0% balance transfer, you can save considerably, and pay off your credit sooner (which, of course, is the main goal when dealing with credit card debt).

The most serious mistake people do when consolidating is to go though the entire process just to simplify their accounting, and they don't pay enough attention to how much they could save. Another mistake is to close your zero balance accounts when consolidating. This practically means you close some of your credit options, which is never a good idea.

When you plan to consolidate, call your banks and explain the situation. They want your business, and you'll be surprised how flexible and willing to negotiate they can be, once you explain to them that you have various options available to take your business someplace else.

There are many web sites offering solutions for debt consolidation. However, keep in mind that, while this is a comfortable and fast solution, you don't have the options to negotiate directly with the banks. Also, most often the best offers come from banks that want to keep your business, so make sure you give a change to the banks you've had a long-term relation with. If you're not pleased with the results, take your money elsewhere quickly.

Consolidation is often a necessity for students, new graduates, or people who have filed for bankruptcy some time ago. If you've handled your payments well and managed to clear up your record to a certain degree, there is no need to continue paying more than it's worth for your credit cards. Sit down and go through the numbers carefully, and think analyze the problem realistically. Don't forget to check your credit report and your credit rating before you start anything - it will help you plan and plead your case. Also, if your credit request gets rejected, don't forget to ask for your free copy of the credit report.

Of course, credit card consolidation is not a miracle solution for all your financial problems. On the contrary, you may find that it requires a lot of financial discipline to make the payment on time and to straighten things up. However, it is less confusing than having several small credits, and so it is easier to keep things under control.

There is also the option of getting credit counseling, if things get really confusing. A successful plan will make sure you make the payments on time and regularly, without putting a strain on other aspects of your life. Of course, it's a lengthy process, usually taking one or two years - but it's worth the trouble.

Sometimes, you can lower costs by consolidating your debt through a second mortgage - but be really careful about the hidden costs and problems - you may want to consult with a specialist or two before taking this step. Usually, this means that your home will become collateral, and you may lose it if things go wrong. Also, costs add up quickly and you may end up paying more than you initially thought.

This article has been provided courtesy of Creditor Web. Creditor Web offers great credit card articles available for reprint and other tools to help you search and compare credit card offers.


MORE RESOURCES:

Town Hall

CREDIT MARKETS: Few Issues Cap Busy Week For Corporate Bonds
Wall Street Journal
In high-yield, Ford Motor Credit Corp.'s 7-year notes sold on Wednesday were similarly oversubscribed. Even secondary trading volumes have picked up since ...
CREDIT MARKETS: Tepid Auction, Refi Fears Dominate TradingWall Street Journal
Analysis: Equity 'volatility' vs credit market, what to believe?Reuters UK

all 355 news articles »


This is Money

The New Credit-Card Tricks
Wall Street Journal
The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, known as the Card Act, was intended to reshape the contours of consumer finance. ...
What is a merchant supposed to do when a credit card is left at his or her ...Seattle Post Intelligencer (blog)
5 Ways to Quickly Boost Your Credit ScoreU.S. News & World Report (blog)
Do prepaid debit and credit cards affect your credit score?Helium
e-wisdom.com (blog) -Which? -CardRatings.com (blog)
all 16 news articles »


Christian Science Monitor

Use Balance Transfers to Reduce Credit Card Debt, Says SmartBalanceTransfers.com
MarketWatch (press release)
NORWALK, CT, Jul 27, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- SmartBalanceTransfers.com, a website that allows visitors to find the best credit card balance transfer ...
Who Pays For Credit Card Rewards?NPR (blog)
4 Common Fees and How to Avoid ThemU.S. News & World Report (blog)
Interchange Fees a Scam?The Atlantic (blog)
The Economist (blog) -Forbes (blog) -JoongAng Daily
all 101 news articles »


MDC Holdings 2Q Loss Narrows, Helped By Tax Credit; Orders Up
Wall Street Journal
Outside of orders, home builders have seen better results in recent quarters, helped by the federal government's tax credit given to first-time home buyers. ...
M.D.C. Holdings Announces Second Quarter 2010 ResultsMarketWatch (press release)
Homebuilder MDC Holdings narrows loss in Q2 as closings soar 71%Denver Business Journal

all 22 news articles »


US CREDIT-Lincoln National bonds attractive after earnings
Reuters
N) bonds may be a safe bet as the insurer enhances its liquidity, sees positive credit ratings actions and pays off its obligations to the US government. ...
Lincoln Beats, Growth Across BoardZacks.com

all 4 news articles »


FreightCar America gets $30M credit facility
The Associated Press
CHICAGO — Railcar manufacturer FreightCar America Inc. said Friday that it has entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility for $30 million. ...

and more »


News Fire

Credit card debt reduction companies: The Real Deal
NewsChannel 9 WSYR
Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - Everyone has heard the ads for companies that promise to reduce credit card debt. For years, they've been charging big bucks upfront to ...
Credit Score Drops Tremendously in the USTimes News World (blog)
Giving credit where it is dueMail & Guardian Online
Why you need to go with a Credit Card debt consolidation company to get the ...TMCnet
OfficialWire (press release) -WDBJ7.com -CardRatings.com
all 62 news articles »


Give Mike Brown credit ... this signing was brilliant
Boston Herald
Brown didn't get much credit for that title, so it's only fair to give him credit for this: The signing of Terrell Owens was a masterstroke and should be ...

and more »


Weyerhaeuser Says Pace of US Housing Recovery Uncertain After Tax Credit
Bloomberg
“This has been especially evident in the market retreat following the expiration of the federal homebuyer tax credit at the end of April. ...

and more »


TheStreet.com

AT&T Bonds Fall After Unusually Timed Credit-Rating News
Wall Street Journal
The credit ratings agency also said it has concerns about AT&T's pension and post-retirement obligations. Gatlin, the AT&T spokesman, defended the company's ...
S&P upgrades Invesco credit ratingsBusinessWeek
S&P says may cut AT&T's credit rating by one notchReuters
AT&T's corporate credit rating faltersSan Antonio Express
TheStreet.com -Barron's (blog) -Dallas Business Journal
all 52 news articles »

Google News

home | site map
© 2006