Credit Card Directory

Card Wise UK has just started a credit card directory, to place all credit card related links we come across.

This is an ongoing project, but by all means please use the form and send us your details.

Credit cards and students

C.A.R.E. is teaching high school seniors what to look out for when they hit college campuses.

"It's a fact that between 1994 and 2004, bankruptcy among people under the age of 25 rose 96 percent. After hearing more students drop out of school because of credit card debt than bad grades, these kids said they don't want to be a target."

Perhaps the UK will follow suit. With students getting offered more incentives to use certain banks when attending University, they can end up getting into bad debt if they are not careful.

Read More Here About The Courses in the US.

More About Protection When Buying Overseas

Another good story written after the budget and has more about the Lloyds TSB overseas credit card case, and what this means for consumers.

The Office of Fair Trading has won its appeal against Lloyds TSB over protection given to consumers who use credit cards to buy goods overseas. This revelation probably became lost in all the post-Budget ruminations, but it is a victory for UK consumers.

Read the full article at the telegraph website.

Why Cancel Your Credit Cards?

You might think that by cutting up an old credit card that you are safe from fraudsters. Think again - the card is still live. You will need to cancel the card with the issuer to be sure that the details can never be used for fraudulent purposes.

"Unless you tell the card company you want to cancel it, the card remains live. If a fraudster gets hold of the details they can rack up bills without your knowledge."

So make sure you keep track of all your credit cards, and cancel any unused ones properly by contacting the issuer.

Full Article At MyFinances.co.uk.

What the 'Budget' Means for You

The BBC goes into this years budget in detail. A number of tax changes are discussed:

"# the personal tax allowance, which will go up from £4,895 to £5,035

# an increase in the inheritance tax (IHT) threshold which will now gradually increase from £285,000 in the 2006-07 tax year to £325,000 in 2009-10

# and the restructuring of the rules of some trusts

# the stamp duty threshold, which is to rise by £5000; now properties from £125,000 to £250,000 will attract the 1% tax"

Read more at the BBC Financial section to see if you are better off.

Credit Cards Now Offer Protection Abroad

This is Good news for the consumer, you will be covered for losses when buying goods abroad from now on. This will be for goods worth between £100-£30,0000 where 'someone goes out of business, for example, or goods are not as described'. A credit card remains the best way of purchasing goods on the Internet, and now even more so if you purchase from overseas vendors.

"PEOPLE who use their credit cards abroad and find they have bought faulty goods or services are entitled to the same 'money back' protection as in Britain, the Court of Appeal has ruled."

Taken from a TimesOnline article today.

ID Cards and Chip & PIN Technology

Similar technology to CHIP & PIN on credit cards could be used by ID cards, it has been revealed.

This would be in addition to the biometric data the ID card holds, such as fingerprints and iris data. One reason for this would be due to the high cost of scanning equipment, which may be out of some retailers reach.

The ID Card Debate Continues....

Pay By Touch - Using Fingerprints to Pay for Goods

You can now sign up to use your fingerprint to pay for goods, and leave your credit cards at home. The idea is being trialed in co-op stores in the oxford area.

I think this is pretty cool system and hope it catches on. I always have nightmares about losing my wallet! Although now, I have nightmares about people cutting off my fingers to use. I think I have seen too many movies. But with the amount of large money heists and armed raids going on, you cannot be too careful, can you?

Beware of Store Cards

Store cards that charge interest at 25% or more a year will have to warn customers on their statements that they can get cheaper credit elsewhere. - BBC

A much cheaper option than these rip-off store cards is a usual credit card. Card Wise UK can show you the best current credit cards with a low APR. If you can pass a credit check for a store card, you can usually get accepted with these cards, and will work as cheaper credit in the long run.

A low APR is essential if you know you will be paying interest on your purchases!