Tag Archives: obtaining

Why a Free Prepaid Card May Be Right for You

There are many reasons why a free prepaid credit card may be the card for you. Perhaps you would like to teach your college kid good fiscal responsibility. Maybe you are having trouble obtaining a normal credit card due to poor credit score and would like to work on improving it.

A prepaid credit card has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. In fact, they function more like debit cards, except there is no savings or checking account tied to the card. With a prepaid credit card, your credit limit is determined by the amount you pre-pay to the credit card company. Once the balance has been depleted, you will then be required to purchase more credit in order to continue using the card.

One of the greatest advantages of prepaid cards is the low application requirement, where a good credit score is unnecessary. In fact, you don’t even need to have a credit score, or even have an income to qualify. You just need to be at least 18 years of age.

Also, most prepaid credit cards do not impose APRs on the amount you have deposited with the credit card company. This makes sense, since you’re not actually obtaining credit from them. Another feature of prepaid credit cards is their ability to let you deposit your check directly onto the card balance. Not only will this save you trips to the bank, it’s also a great convenience if you’re the type who charges everything to the credit card.

While prepaid credit cards are generally a good bet, they are not without their downsides. Like regular credit cards, they may have fees attached to them such as a monthly maintenance fees, transaction fees and ATM fees. These are costs of using your prepaid credit card, and can be significant if you don’t choose the right card.

In conclusion, prepaid cards function truly well for those who do not wish to spend more than what they own, but at the same time require the convenience of a credit card. This way, you won’t get carried away with your expenses or find yourself drowning in debt.

Is a Payday Loan Right for Me?

With all of the negative information being circulated about payday loans, it may be difficult to distinguish between the facts and the rumors. In fact, all of the negative attention given to payday loans has prevented many consumers from obtaining quick cash, which can create a negative impact on their lives.

What to Consider in Your Circumstances

The first thing you’ll want to determine when seeking a short-term payday loan is whether you can realistically afford to pay back the loan out of your next paycheck. The second thing you’ll want to consider is your use for the money. Is it really something that needs to be tended to now, or could it wait until your paycheck arrives?

Once you have determined that you need the services of a payday lender, you’ll want to do your homework and educate yourself on the interest rates and the fees associated with the loan.

The bottom line is that a payday loan can be very useful, and if used responsibly, can prevent short-term cash flow problems for hardworking consumers.

Common Reasons for Payday Loans

1. When you lack the credit to receive a traditional loan through a bank – For many with poor or no credit, obtaining short-term cash through their bank is simply impossible. In addition, many consumers that do have the credit opt for payday loans because they can avoid the lengthy process of applying for a traditional loan through their local bank. Payday lenders, in fact, often do not run credit checks, and they certainly don’t make you justify what you plan on doing with the money. The freedom of obtaining cash for your short-term cash flow problems can be easily accomplished with a payday loan.

2. When you need the money quickly – Obtaining money through your bank is not a short process, by any means. The loan process can take anywhere from several days to several weeks, and the reality is that most consumers seeking payday loans are doing so because the money is needed immediately. Imagine waiting for a bank loan to get your car fixed, to repair your leaking roof, or to replace your broken computer. If waiting on money isn’t an option, then a payday loan may be right for you.

3. When you don’t have access to credit – For many consumers, a credit card is often the tool used to get them out of short-term cash flow problems. Unfortunately, however, not all of us have credit cards due to poor or no credit. Payday loans are often used as a smart alternative to credit cards, and they are available for many individuals, regardless of their credit history.

4. When you don’t want the hassle of long-term debt – Many consumers seek payday loans, even if their credit is strong and even when they have access to credit cards and other types of loans. Why? For many, they simply don’t want to incur any additional debt that must be repaid every month. A payday loan, unlike a traditional loan or credit card balance, is simply paid back when the consumer receives his or her next paycheck.

Depending upon your individual circumstances, a payday loan certainly be the right choice to tide your finances over until your paycheck arrives.