Thursday, 7 August 2008

Information on Bad Debt Credit Cards

It is common these days to find a lot of people with bad credit scores. Failure to make payments on time and accumulation of debts are just some of the reasons that could damage a person’s credit history, whether it is personal or for business. If you are one of these people, then you will know that the major problem with this is that most lenders would no longer be able to trust you enough to provide you with financing through credit cards.

And if you are running a business that greatly depends on such credit funding, then you might feel that you are in a hopeless situation with no way out of your monetary troubles. However, all may not be lost for you because it is good to know that a lot of credit card companies today offer an alternative solution through bad debt credit cards.

What Are Bad Debt Credit Cards and How Can These Help?

A bad debt credit card pretty much works in the same way as most regular credits, with a few exceptions. This type of credit source is designed to cater those with poor credit histories, so along with it may be some policies and terms that are different and even stricter than that of regular accounts.

Guaranteed Bad Credit Loans up to $25,000

These tighter policies do not necessarily exist to further trap you into your financial problems but they actually aim to encourage you to build up your credit score, just as long as you are able to consistently manage payments and debts with your existing bank.

Lenders of this type of credit also give you the advantage of reporting directly to other credit rating agencies about your standing, which could greatly assist in changing the impression on your unfavourable credit record. At least, with an existing source for finances, individuals who are highly reliant on credit to continue production for their businesses are given a chance in carrying on with their operations, and most importantly, earn in order to pay for debts.

Disadvantages of Such Credit Cards and What to Look Out For?

As good as these credit cards may sound, never forget that they are not regular credit cards and they do have different policies. These come with strict rules and terms to discourage people from not meeting the right payments. In using a bad debt card, expect that there will be higher interest rates for your purchases; therefore you should be very careful in using them.

Make sure that you would only use your credit if it is badly needed and if there is no other possible resource for funds. Aside from this, never make purchases through your credit card that you are not capable of paying for on time. If you are not able to handle using your bad debt credit card responsibly, then be prepared to further worsen you credit rating and have your financial problems mount up.

How to Raise your Credit Score in just 90 Days

Bad debt credit cards offer people a very good alternative to still own a credit card account despite having an unfavourable credit score. This may come with certain limitations that could possibly make your financial standing worse, but keep in mind that this can only happen if you are not careful in handling your credit.

This type of credit card aims to encourage people to improve their credit ratings, so make sure to play your end of the bargain. If managed wisely, these types of credit cards can surely go a long way in helping you get out of your financial difficulties and further cater to your personal or business financing needs.

Tuesday, 8 July 2008

How to manage spiralling debt

There are two main options for those in major debt, debt management and an Individual Voluntary Arrangement or IVA. Your personal circumstances will determine whether debt management or an IVA is the right option for you. Please remember to take care when accepting advice from unethical companies, whether they are suggesting an IVA or debt management be sure that you are getting the right advice. Reputable credit counselling organizations employ counsellors who are certified and trained in consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting.

Debt Management

If you have debt related problems and you can't come out of it by yourself you can very well seek the help of a professional debt management service company. Many companies specializing in credit counselling offer debt management plans to help people with heavy debt and damaged credit get their financial situation under control. However, for all intents and purposes, debt management is a structured repayment plan set up by a designated third party, either as a result of a court order or as a result of personal initiation. However, it’s important to understand that participating in a debt management plan will still impact your credit score, and that any available credit may be inaccessible for a period of time.

Debt Management involves entering into an agreement with an established and ethical debt management company that is offering a deal that makes good financial sense.

Debt Management is ideal for those who do not have large enough debts to consider an IVA. It can be a way of putting you back in control of your finances.

Debt management does not supply you with another loan, but can provide a service that help to clear you debts, will distribute your monthly payments to your creditors on your behalf and negotiate to try and reduce/freeze interest and charges. Debt Management involves informal talks with your creditors to reduce your debt repayments to a level you can comfortably afford. It could be a realistic option if you are able to make a payment arrangement and stick to it.

A small, nominal fee is to be expected for debt management services, but it should not be based on a percentage of your debt or be a recurring monthly charge. All contact between creditors and yourself is handled by the debt management company. You will not receive any late payment fees because all transactions go through the debt management programme, and they may be able to adjust or stop any interest on your debts.

BEST CREDIT ADVICE

When considering debt management, you should also be aware that unlike an IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement), it is not a legally binding agreement. Debt management plans are often a good way of dealing with a multiple debt situation when other formal solutions such as an IVA or bankruptcy are not realistic options.

IVA

The IVA is an extremely powerful tool enabling you to clear your debt and return to a clean financial bill of health An IVA is an alternative to bankruptcy, but can only benefit those who have over £15,000 of unsecured debt.

IVA’s were introduced in the 1980’s as a way of creating a binding contract between individuals and people you owe money to pay smaller manageable repayments over the period of time, normally 5 years, without incurring further interest, and being sent repayment chasing letters and phone calls. IVA’s require 75% creditor approval to be implemented, so that if banks refuse their agreement, there's no deal.

The IVA enables you to cut your debts to an affordable level and clear them over a fixed period. What’s more, it is a totally private arrangement – nobody needs to know about it apart from you, your advisors and your creditors. Therefore the IVA gives light at the end of the tunnel to those who are struggling with serious debts. Once your IVA is accepted, the Court will ensure that the Creditors respect the agreement and will stop them from bothering you any more about your debts. While a Debt Management plan can sometimes be an option as well, it is not legally binding and people you owe money to can later change their minds if they wish to – unlike with an IVA.

To find out whether an IVA is the best debt solutions for you requires an assessment of your current financial position, an Insolvency Practitioner will need to present your IVA proposal to people you owe money to, and it will need to be agreed by a majority of people you owe money to. With larger amounts, an IVA can bring down repayments, freeze interest and end the hassle and stress caused by people chasing you for money. It is important to stress that although an IVA is an increasingly popular debt solution, it should never be entered into lightly. For example, it will be difficult to get any form of credit during the period of the IVA and for a period afterwards.

Plan your future

Once you have a real debt management plan or an IVA in place, it’s only a matter of time before you get back on the right track with your finances. Getting out of debt takes a lot of planning, discipline and sometimes changes to your spending habits.

Debt management plans and IVA’s have helped 10000’s of people with re-gaining control of their finances. To get started you need to contact a debt consultant who will review your income and outgoings.


MANAGE YOUR CREDIT EASILY

Wednesday, 2 July 2008

How your credit score is calculated

Credit score information allows lenders to gauge a credit applicant to see if he or she is worth the risk of availing credit. After all, credit institutions are a business and need to profit from their investments in terms of lending their money resources. It is sensible business practice that they try to lend it to people who are responsible enough to pay them back later.

Lenders and credit institutions try to assess each credit application by looking at the applicant's credit score information. Through it, these institutions will be able to determine if an applicant is worth the risk. The credit score is obtained from information based on the past credit activities of the applicant as well as other related information. All these can be found on the applicant's credit report.


Your Credit Score

A credit score is calculated using the various information contained in the credit report. Different factors come into play when a credit score is calculated. A designed formula is used by credit reporting agencies to come up with the credit score. The formula takes into account the information from the credit report, both good and bad, to come up with the appropriate score.

In order for this score to be calculated, the credit report must have, as a minimum, one account which is at least six months old & one that has been updated for the same period. This will ensure that there is enough recent information in the credit report from which to base the calculation.

Payment History

Payment history accounts for about 35 percent of the credit score. This includes payments made on time as well as late payments. Public records can find their way into the credit report such as late or non- payments, bankruptcies, lawsuits, etc. These all may be considered when computing the credit score.

Amount of outstanding credit

The amount of credit that you have availed in the past accounts for about 30 percent of the credit score. Not only is the total amount looked upon but also the amount borrowed from different accounts. The balances on certain accounts may also affect the credit score. Maintaining a small balance for example, will have a positive effect on the credit report and may help keep your credit score up.

QUALITY CREDIT ADVICE

Credit History

The length of your credit history accounts for 15 percent of your credit score. Your oldest account and the average age of your other accounts are taken into consideration when calculating your credit score. Also considered is the length of time that has passed since you have used certain accounts.

The number of new credits availed accounts for about 10 percent of your credit score. This includes the length of time that has passed since you have opened a new account. The number of credit requests in a one year period is also considered.

The various types of credit that you have availed accounts for 10 percent of the information that goes into the calculation of the credit report. Revolving credit, such as credit card debts and personal loans or mortgages, is also taken into account.

Conclusion

The formula used by the different credit reporting agencies in calculating your credit score do vary slightly from company to company but they all follow a very similar process.


If you have found this information useful and would like to find out more about credit click here