Various Types of Credit Cards

Several different types of credit cards offer several different options, depending on what your needs are. Some are geared toward individual consumers while others are set up in ways that work best for small business needs. To know what type of card fits your needs, let's review a few of your options.

Business Credit Cards

A business credit card offers the business owner the opportunity to keep business and personal expenses separate. The card may offer special business rewards and saving opportunities that go above and beyond what the individual card owner may have. Since money management is essential in successfully running a business, the card may offer an expense management service that will allow you to keep track of the outgoing money. You can obtain additional cards for employees who may need them for travel expenses and such as well as have a higher credit limit than you normally would on an individual card.

Student Credit Cards

Many credit card companies will issue student cards that have lower credit limits and fewer incentives to help keep their spending in check. Still, take note. Many college students graduate with a credit balance that averages between $3,000 and $7,000 and with interest rates, this can be a real problem when trying to pay them off.

Prepaid Debit Cards

Prepaid debit cards are one type of credit card that has grown significantly in recent years. Although they work like a traditional credit card when making a purchase, that is where the similarities end. With prepaid debit cards, you have actually prepaid and set the credit limit by depositing money onto the debit card. Depending on how much you have deposited into the debit card's account depends on how much credit limit you want on that card. This is a great way to have the convenience of a credit card without the chance of charging more than you can afford to pay off.

Credit Cards For Bad Credit

It is possible, even with bad credit to obtain a credit card. These cards will come with some restrictions not typically found on other types of cards. Your credit limit will be lower and your interest rate higher. Some may require you to have a secured card, meaning you have to maintain a savings or some other type of account that will cover the expenses on the credit card. Once you have established that you will be responsible, some, if not all, of your restrictions may be lifted.

Cash Back Cards

Many cards will now offer you cash back incentives for using their cards. Depending on how much your balance is and how often you use the card, you can earn cash back for your purchases. Some companies offer 1% off your balance while others, like Sears, will offer you cash off purchases made in their store. Either way, if you are planning on using a card, finding one that will offer you a cash incentive is a smart choice.

Credit Card Resources

About the Author Liz Roberts is a loan consultant with NewHorizon Finance and has been providing consumers and business owners with financing since 1989. Bad Credit? Join our mailing list for tips on building and repairing your credit yourself, without hiring a credit repair service. Click here for a list of bad credit unsecured credit cards Free reprint rights with full credit to the author. Please reprint everything within this box. Copyright 2005