Rita Lowman asked:




Since the early 19th century, businesses and consumers have made use of credit in the place of currency. But credit stretches even as far back as ancient Babylon. History has recorded individuals who set up payments in exchange for goods that they could not afford to purchase outright.

Predecessors to credit cards were charge coins or plates. Coins were issued in the mid-1800s and made of copper, aluminum, steel or other types of metal. Credit coins were most often issued by department stores of hotels with the customer’s number and an image of the business displayed on the coin. Charge plates, used into the early 1960s, were made of aluminum or white metal and were inscribed with a customer’s name and address. These were offered mostly by department stores in an effort to attract loyal customers. Each of these cards could only be used at the store that issued them. However, by the 1930s, some stores began to accept one another’s cards and third-party payments were established, which has served as the primary method of operation for bank credit cards.

In the later 1940s, a banker in New York City developed the first bank card. A customer of the issuing bank could use the card to make purchases and the bill was then forwarded to the bank. The bank then made payment to the business for the purchase and then billed the customer for reimbursement. The bank card was only honored at local businesses. The first actual bank credit card was introduced at a bank in New York for its loan customers and was also only available to the bank’s account holders.

The following evolution of the credit card came with the introduction the universal credit card. Used mainly for entertainment and dining purposes, the card could be used at a variety of businesses, unlike its predecessors. At first, payment for any purchases were required to be paid in full when billed to the customer, but this eventually gave way to a system that allowed customers to repay the bill over time. With a favorable reception from the public, the cards were held by 20,000 cardholders shortly after being introduced to the marketplace.

A decade later, the value of plastic credit cards was being recognized by banks and merchants. Businesses in particular noticed that card holders tended to do more business with them than their counterparts who paid by cash or check. The interest rate paid by a cardholder to the bank created additional revenue, as well as the loan coverage fees that were paid by the merchants.

The birth of two of today’s major credit cards came about by a group of banks in California who joined together to create an association. The two major credit cards were operated through a network of banks who were required to be a member of either of the credit cards. Eventually, changes to this requirement gave banks the ability to issue both types of cards to its customers. These associations set regulations and processing systems handling the exchange of money, as well as an arbitration procedure to settle disputes between members.

With the advent of online banking, alternative forms of payment are becoming more prominent as cardholders discover the ease with which they can pay bills, make purchases online and access cash – all with the use of the credit card.

Frances

Mario Churchill asked:


A lot of people are taking advantage of what the internet could offer. The internet paved way for us to make all things faster and easier. Almost all things are delivered with digital speed.

One of the best things about the internet is that you can easily order the items you need online. You can even automatically pay your bills there. And you can also submit application for a credit card. Isn’t that great? All the things you need just right at your finger tips.

Online credit card has really been the talk of the town. More credit card companies are available online, and each has their specific requirements, and guarantee. So, if your one of those who wants to apply credit card online, try to know each companies well.

Below is a quick review on some of the popular online credit card most companies offer. This would help you understand the benefits they offer as well as the different credit card categories.

Cash Back Cards. This is the most common type of credit card. Almost all stores offers them. The good thing about this credit card is that, you can receive as much as 5% on particular purchases. A lot of credit cards focus on specific types of spending practice such as the basic necessities. It is practical that you make use of your card wisely on some items to take advantage of the returns on these cards.

Airline Mile Credit Cards. These are the known as the universal credit card. This credit card company was founded in the year 1990′s, yet still known today. This universal flyer cards, offers more like what cash back card offers. The only difference is that the reward is computed in reward miles. So, it’s better if you read first the fine print and find out the bonus plans and restrictions of the card. Moreover, airline mile cards have annual fee.

Bad credit credit cards. Typically , these cards do not offer low credit score. In fact, these bad credit cards are great means to further improve your credit rating. You should only be wise enough to take advantage of the options available. Check out Gold Cards or Orchard Bank’s Platinum. You can also decide for a secured card. The secured card needs you to have a savings account to be used for collateral. You should also pay your monthly balance.

Low APR Cards/Balance Transfers. This is best card for financially minded persons. If you want to hold a balance on your credit card, then obtaining a better low APR card or balance transfer can significantly cut your monthly bills. The huge margin of balance transfer cards offer you a 0% APR, that’s definitely low APR. This will give you a great chance to pay your debt first without paying much interest than needed.

Instant Approval Offers. The name itself explains it all. This instant approval cards offer an easy and quick chance to have a good start. You can easily have the credit card even without submitting a credit card application online. These types of credit card are widely offered in many banks.

So now, you have already the idea about the four most popular credit card categories. There are definitely more of them. But whatever your belief is, there is one that is best for you. Your great option is to take time to shop around and choose the card that is perfect for you.



BENNIE