Friday, July 27, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

Negotiate Your Way To Lower Credit Card APR's!
By James Dimmitt

I have three major credit card accounts that I've had for many
years. The other night I was reconciling my monthly statements
and noticed a large discrepancy in the APR's (annual percentage
rate) I was paying on these three accounts.

My first card, card "A", has an APR of 8.9%; card "B" has an
APR of 9.9%; and card "C" has an APR of 17.9% -Ouch ! I knew I
had to see what I could do about this"out of range" interest
rate on card "C". So I considered a couple of options.

One choice would be to transfer or switch the balance on card
"C" to a new card with a lower APR. This would be very easy
to do since I had received several pre-approved credit card
offers earlier in the week. They included "convenience checks"
that I could use to payoff that high APR credit card, thereby
transferring that balance to a new account.

I decided against this option however because I didn't really
want to add another account to my credit profile. Your credit
score, that "magic number" that establishes your
credit-worthiness to merchants can be affected negatively by
having too many accounts.

So instead I decided to contact the issuer of credit card "C"
to see what they could do about that 17.9% APR which seemed so
out of line with my two other credit card accounts. I reasoned
this was the better of the two options before me since I've
already established a relationship with this company; a
relationship which included many years of on-time payments
which reflects positively in my credit profile with the credit
bureaus.

I called the 800 number and talked to a very a nice gentleman.
I explained to him the reason for my call; two other credit card
issuers offered me a much more reasonable interest rate and so
I'd like to see what his company could offer to me.

I wasn't surprised when he replied that he could lower my
current rate from 17.9% to 15.9%. Since the credit card
company makes a profit from the interest rate they charge I
didn't expect to be offered the best or lowest rate right off
the bat. I prepared myself to have to do a little negotiating.

And so I reminded him that my account was in goodstanding and
had been for many years now. I had not made any late payments
and always made more than the minimum payment due.

Again he informed me that the best he could offer was a rate of
15.9% that would be good until August 2003. So now not only
was I not feeling like I was getting a very good deal but this
new rate would only be a "promotional" rate !

I remained calm and friendly, knowing that yelling at him or
telling him what a "lousy" company he worked for would be
counterproductive to my end goal - a lower and better APR for
this account. I thaned him for his time but told him I didn't
feel this was a very good offer.

And then the "magic" happened. He asked if I would like to
speak to an account manager and that perhaps they could better
assist me. I thanked him for his time and assistance and was
then transferred to an account manager.

I explained my dilemma to her and reasoned with her that as a
good customer I expected a much better rate. She empathized
with me and then offered to upgrade my account to their
platinum status which carried an APR of 9.9% ! In addition,
the platinum card offered many more benefits and had no annual
fee. She also assured me that this was a "contract rate" and
not a promotional rate. I would keep the same account number
so I would not be opening a "new" account but simply upgrading
my current account status.

Next time you are reconciling your monthly statements take a
close look at the various APR's you are paying. If you notice
a disparity in the rates you are paying, call your card issuers
to negotiate a better rate. My persistence paid off. Be
persistent - it can pay off for you too!

About the Author: © 2005,
http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com Author: James H. Dimmitt
James is editor of “To Your Credit” a FREE weekly newsletter
focusing on managing your personal finances and credit.
Subscribe and get a FREE copy of your credit report when you
visit: http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

Avoiding Credit Card Traps
By James Dimmitt

The next time you open your credit card statement, take a
closer look at the small insert titled “changes to your credit
card agreement”. You know the one I’m speaking about. It’s
that small, folded paper written in legalese that you promise
to read some other time (but of course that time never comes)
or you just discard it with the other “junk” inserts.

First and foremost you must understand that using your credit
card after you’ve received this notification results in your
automatic “agreement” to the new terms in the notice. To
prevent these new terms from affecting your account you must
stop using that credit card immediately or by the date given in
the notification statement.

The most common modifications to credit card agreements include
new APR’s (annual percentage rates), new fees and/or changes to
existing fees, or a change to the grace period on your account.
The grace period is the number of days during which any credit
used for purchases may be repaid in full without incurring a
finance charge.

Not knowing or not keeping track of the dollar amount limit on
your card is another trap you should avoid. Credit card
issuers will allow you to charge a small amount over the limit
set on your account. However, don’t be surprised when you get
hit with an “over limit fee”, usually around $35.00 or higher,
on your next statement. Also, be prepared for your APR to be
increased if you go over your credit limit.

You’ll also trigger an increase to your interest rate if you
miss your payment due date. Some companies consider your
payment late if not received by noon or 1 p.m. on the date due.

Along with the higher rate, you’ll also pay a “late fee” of $29
on up. Be sure to use the company’s preprinted envelope when
sending your payment. These envelopes allow the pre-printed
bar code to be scanned by the post office so that it can be
delivered more efficiently.

If you’ve counted on those few extra days from the time you
mail your check and the time the check clears your bank,
beware! Many credit card issuers have switched from the
traditional method of processing checks to a new electronic
process. This new system shaves off a day or more from the
traditional method it normally takes for your check to clear by
electronically debiting your account.

If you’re considering paying your credit card bills online,
check to see if any additional fees will be charged for using
this type of payment. I recently received an e-mail message
from one of my credit card companies announcing how easy it
would be to make my payments online. Included in fine print at
the bottom of the e-mail was this note - “A fee of up to $14.95
may be charged for this service and will be deducted from your
checking account”. Hmmm, spend 37 cents on postage and mail my
payment five days before the due date or pay now and get charged
an additional $14.95 fee? I’ll bet you can guess which choice I
made.

Taking the time to carefully read and understand your credit
card agreement now will help you save money by avoiding
unnecessary fees or climbing interest rates later down the
road.

About the Author: © 2005,
http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com Author: James H. Dimmitt
James is editor of “To Your Credit” a FREE weekly newsletter
focusing on managing your personal finances and credit.
Subscribe and get a FREE copy of your credit report when you
visit: http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Monday, July 23, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminal

Want An Online Credit Card Merchant Account?
By Shane Penrod

An online credit card merchant account can help your business
in ways you might not have imagined. While it may seem as
though only high-ranking company executives or big-name
corporations might be interested in a merchant account, there
are many reasons why a small-scale entrepreneur or even a home
business owner might want to learn more about this unique
marketing and credit card payment tool.

One reason to consider an online credit card merchant account
is because you can apply directly through your company’s bank,
if you have been doing business with a local financial
institution. Chances are the bank can offer a merchant account
to business owners like you, but it is important to check the
terms and fees, since you may be able to get a better deal
elsewhere. Banks don’t always have the lowest prices on
accounts like this. You can browse the Internet or ask around
the business community to find out who has the lowest merchant
services account fees. The costs may include any combination of
the following: application fee, setup fee, gateway, maintenance
and service, annual membership, and others. However, some
account underwriters can waive some or all of these fees for
the right customer. Find out if your company is eligible for
these waivers or some type of discount before you apply.

Another reason to think about applying for an online credit
card merchant account is to upgrade your professional status
and enhance the way you do business. You don’t have to operate
in the mom-and-pop stage of development forever. Instead, you
can get the merchant account and start processing business
dealings faster and more efficiently than ever. Your customers
will admire and appreciate your efforts to make things work
better for them, and your employees will appreciate the time
saving steps that can be implemented with a merchant account.

When approved, your online credit card merchant account will
help you create a Website to represent your business on the
World Wide Web. Some underwriters provide free software and
setup while others charge for these services. Be sure that your
site offers an up-to-date image with plentiful information to
catch the browser’s eye and keep customers interested long
enough to make a sale. When they do decide to purchase
something, your merchant account setup will let them pay right
away with a credit card instead of waiting for a check to be
posted. The money will be funneled by the underwriter through a
gateway for deposit in your checking account.

With an online credit card merchant account, your Website can
soon become fully functional, alleviating much of the sales and
cashier work that your company may presently be handling. Your
time will be freed to deal with other aspects of the business,
perhaps the more creative venues. In the meantime the Website
will be automated enough to process payments without the help
of customer service, except for the occasional question or
problem, so keep someone available at least part-time for this
purpose.

Don’t wait for your competitors to jump at the chance to get
ahead of you. Find out now how you can apply for an affordable
online credit card merchant account.

About the Author: Shane Penrod is the owner of
http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com A site where you can
shop and compare multiple quotes from national leading merchant
account providers. http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Friday, July 20, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

Want To Accept Credit Card Services?
By Shane Penrod

When your business has expanded to the point that you’re ready
to accept credit card services, it is time for an upgrade of
payment options so that your clients can pay by credit as well
as by cash or check. This is not a difficult process, but you
will need to get started promptly if you want to stay even with
or get ahead of the competition.

To become eligible to accept credit card services, you need to
apply for a merchant services account. This is a special bank
or financial account that an underwriter provides to back
credit payments from clients to you. Do an Internet search to
find financial institutions who offer this service; many do,
and they would love to have your business. All you need do is
check out the prices and terms and go with the best deal you
can get. Be careful to read the fine print, however, as there
can be hidden fees like print statement costs, gateway fees,
and Website maintenance if you go the Internet route. You also
may be asked to pay annual membership fees or application fees,
so do your homework before selecting a company where you will
seek a merchant account. You can quickly apply via the Internet
or by telephone, and you can generally expect a fairly prompt
reply. In a matter of a few days, you could be ready to start
accepting credit card payments from current and new customers.

Your clients will appreciate your willingness to accept credit
card services, since many dislike the hassle of paying by cash
or check. If you plan to offer credit card payment options at
the physical location of your company or organization, you will
need to purchase or lease a credit card processor that can be
plugged in, perhaps one with a combination terminal and
printer. If an employee or you plan to deliver goods and
services, however, you may prefer to invest in a wireless
credit card processor that you can take with you in the van
wherever you go. A pager might be another useful acquisition,
as well as an e-check or debit processor. Don’t overextend
yourself, however. Only purchase what you can afford to pay for
each month. You can always buy more equipment or upgrade to more
features when they are truly needed.

To accept credit card services at a company Website, find a
good Web designer who will put up a quality site for your
business. Your merchant account will let you accept credit
payments onsite, which allows you to reduce staffing loads and
yet bring in more income. Your Website can be viewed from
customers all around the world at any time of the day or night,
and you can likewise receive credit payments from any location.
Many merchants claim their profit rises dramatically after they
start accepting credit on a Website.

Don’t let prosperity pass you by. Find out how you can open a
merchant account and learn to accept credit card services on
the Internet.

About the Author: Shane Penrod is the founder of
Merchant-Account-Quotes.com Specializing in allowing merchants
the ability to shop and compare multiple quotes from national
merchant account providers. For free quotes on merchant account
rates and fees, please go to
http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Monday, July 16, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

Find The Best Credit Card Type
By Ron King

There are a variety of credit card types, each claiming to
offer you the best possible deal. Finding the programs and
incentives that works best for you is key to maintaining a good
credit card history.

Each type of credit card offer different benefits. Some are
geared toward the individual consumer, while others are set up
to work for small businesses. To find the type of card that
best fits your needs, let's review some of the options.

Business Cards

A business credit card offers the business owner an 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 has. Since money
management is essential for running a business successfully,
this card may offer an expense management service that helps
track outgoing money. You can obtain additional cards for
employees who may need them for travel expenses and such. You
may also have a higher credit limit than you normally would on
an individual card.

Student Cards

Many credit card companies will issue student cards with lower
credit limits and fewer incentives, helping new card users to
keep their spending in check. However, note that many college
students now graduate with credit balances averaging from
$3,000 to $7,000. With high interest rates, these debts can be
a real problem to pay off.

Debit Cards

Prepaid debit cards are 1 type of credit card that has grown
significantly in recent years. Although it works like a
traditional credit card when making a purchase, that is where
the similarity ends. With a prepaid debit card, you actually
set the credit limit yourself by depositing money into the
debit card’s account. The amount you deposit determines the
credit limit on that card. This is a great way to have the
convenience of a credit card without the possibility of
charging more than you can afford to pay off.

Cards for Bad Credit

Even with bad credit, it is possible to obtain a credit card.
These cards 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 in your credit
handling, 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.

Low-Interest Cards

One of the more recent additions to the credit card world is
the low-interest credit card. These cards offer a significantly
lower interest rate than most of the older cards you may already
have. As balance-transfer cards, most of them offer you the
option of transferring a balance from a higher interest rate
card and, for a specified period of time, your transferred
balance will be at either 0% interest or something quite low.
This can save you a fair amount of money if your plan is to pay
it off.

Reward and Incentive Cards

Since credit cards have become such a lucrative business, many
corporations have jumped on the bandwagon. Even airlines now
offer credit cards that come with a certain amount of frequent
flyer miles attached, depending on your balance and purchases.
If you do a fair amount of traveling, this can be a real bonus.
Along these same lines, reward credit cards are growing in
popularity. Competition is stiff, and many card companies are
now offering different reward or incentive options for using
their cards. Once you accumulate enough points, the rewards
pour in. These can be anything from travel insurance to small
appliances. If you use a card regularly, finding one with a
reward program can really pay off.

Instant Approval Cards

Another form of credit card is the instant approval card. Once
you fill out the application, a quick background check will be
done and you will have your approval almost immediately.
Regular cards can take up to 2 weeks to process. Although you
can get instant approval, this does not always mean you can get
instant credit. Some companies will supply you with a temporary
credit card number and allow you to begin making purchases
immediately, while others will not, due to an increase in
credit card fraud potential.

Protect Your Credit

Since there are so many options in choosing a credit card, you
should do a little research before you apply. Decide what type
of card best fits your needs and apply for that one. Don't go
overboard, though. Applying for too many cards will negatively
affect your credit rating.

And, above all, once you get your new credit card, use it
responsibly.

About the Author: Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer,
and web developer. Visit http://www.new-credit-card-now.com to
learn more about this fascinating subject. Copyright 2005 Ron
King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left
intact.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

International Credit Card Processing
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva]Thomas Morva

International credit card processing refers to the processing of multi-currency credit card payments. This enables one to offer products and services in over 169 different currencies and receive payment for them in over 29 remittance currencies. Business firms can thereby expand their business into new sales regions and offer a payment routine to customers from different regions of the world.

Banks and their subsidiaries are permitted to issue International Credit Cards. A single card issued would be valid in all countries where dollar transactions can be made. An international credit card helps one avail of services such as air ticket reservations, car rentals, and hotel reservations abroad. Credit card plans also include insurance coverage for theft and fraud.

Processing an international credit card involves authorizing credit cards, withdrawing funds and placing funds in the merchant?s bank account. For this processing, the merchant needs an international merchant account. The international merchant account is an agreement between a credit card processor and the merchant that establishes the rules for accepting credit card purchases and transferring funds. A description of how it works would be appropriate in this context. Imagine that a merchant in USA wants to sell products to a buyer in Europe. The merchant uses the credit card processing company for sale of pictures. The products are sold to the buyer for Euro and remittance will be made in dollars.

Some international credit cards are American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa, etc. Processing of credit cards is done automatically using appropriate software program. The service of an international credit card processing company can also be utilized for processing international credit cards. The credit card processor provides the expertise and merchant account to help businessmen accept credit cards from buyers of other countries. These companies provide Internet merchant account also so that the merchant can accept credit card online. There are several companies that offer credit card processing services anywhere in the world. [http://www.i-CreditCardProcessing.com]Credit Card Processing provides detailed information on Credit Card Processing, Online Credit Card Processing, Credit Card Processing Software, Wireless Credit Card Processing and more. Credit Card Processing is affiliated with [http://www.e-CreditCardTerminals.com]Wireless Credit Card Terminals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva http://EzineArticles.com/?International-Credit-Card-Processing&id=353156

Friday, July 13, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

The Meaning Of Credit Card Numbers
By Ron King

If you take a close look at your credit cards, you'll probably
wonder what all those numbers stand for. Every digit actually
stands for something specific. Let's have a look at each of
those numbers in sequence.

The First Digit

Gasoline cards, department store cards and phone cards have
their own programs.

The major credit card companies operate on a standardized
system for assigning credit card numbers. The first digit in
the series will always be a 3, 4, 5 or 6. This number
designates the type of card you have. For instance, a 3 means
it's a travel and entertainment card, such as American Express
or Diners Club. A 4 is Visa and Visa-branded debit cards, cash
cards; a 5 is MasterCard and MasterCard-branded debit cards,
cash cards; and 6 is Discover.

The Other Numbers

American Express and Diners Club use the second digit to
identify the company. That means that Diners Club cards will
start with either 36 or 38, and American Express cards will
lead off with 34 or 37.

The remaining numbers in the series are used for other
purposes, depending upon the card type and issuer. Generally,
the numbers grouped after the opening series is the routing
number of the bank and the next group is the user's account
number. The final digit is special -- a check digit. This is a
number calculated by applying a specific formula, and it is
used as a fraud check.

Look At Your Card

American Express uses digits 3 and 4 for business or personal
card type and the currency of the cardholder's country of
origin. Digits 5 through 11 are the account number. Digits 12
through 14 show the card number attached to that account. The
last digit is, of course, the check digit.

Visa uses digits 2 through 6 for the bank number. Beginning
with digit 7 and running through 12 or 15, they're the account
number, and the last number is the check digit. The number of
digits in a group may vary because Visa cards don't all have
the same number of digits.

With MasterCard, the second digit through digit 3 (to as high
as 6) is the bank number. All remaining digits, except the end
check digit, identifies the cardholder's account.

And that's it. A slightly complex system necessary to track
billions of credit cards across the globe.

About the Author: Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer,
and web developer. Visit http://www.new-credit-card-now.com to
learn more about this fascinating subject. Copyright 2005 Ron
King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left
intact.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Monday, July 9, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

Virtual Credit Card Terminals
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton]Kent Pinkerton

Virtual credit card terminals are the best means for processing credit card payments. They are perfect for any business that accepts credit card payments by phone, fax or e-mail. Virtual credit card terminals are a safe, browser-based interface that allows you to authorize, process, and manage credit card transactions, using any computer with an Internet connection. You do not need a physical credit card terminal.

As they reduce complexity and expenses, virtual credit card terminals are suitable for businesses of all sizes. They are commonly used in utility companies, mail order businesses, call center operations, newspapers and magazines, insurance companies, charities, and service companies. With virtual credit card terminals, you can manually enter credit card transactions for mail or phone order sales, refund money to a customer's credit card, automatically bill customers for recurring charges, check the status of transactions, run a variety of reports, and capture previously authorized transaction.

Virtual terminals are software-based credit card terminals enabling you to quickly capture and authorize credit card transactions in real time. When the process is complete, the merchant receives an authorization number and the server stores the transaction details. Transactions are automatically settled at the end of the day and the reports are generated within two to three business days.

Compared with POS (point of sale) terminals, virtual credit card terminals are very fast. Other features of virtual credit card terminals include address verification service, customer and merchant email notifications, recurring payments, and detailed reporting capabilities. Automatic item sub-total calculation, credit card swipe card option, automatic tax calculation, automatic shipping calculation, item discount calculator, billing and shipping data fields, and coupon or rebate calculator are the added features of virtual credit card terminals.

Unlike other software packages, virtual credit card terminals do not need licensing fees and fees for upgrades and customer service. The cost is always associated with authorizing and processing of credit card transactions. Most software-based credit card terminals utilize flash memory to store the software. [http://www.e-CreditCardTerminals.com]Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with [http://www.i-CreditCardProcessing.com]Credit Card Processing Software.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton http://EzineArticles.com/?Virtual-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=353178

Friday, July 6, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

Buying Credit Card Terminals
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton]Kent Pinkerton

A credit card terminal is an indispensable device for your business. Major features of a credit card terminal are its price, speed, and reliability. There are three major types of terminals - traditional, wireless, and virtual. Each of them has its own features and functions. Modern credit card terminals require electricity and telephone lines. The price of a basic terminal ranges between $150 and $300. Terminals with printers vary from $200 to $600. For wireless terminals, the cost is ranges from $600 to $1,000. AVS (address verification system) is a standard feature on most credit card terminals- so it is advisable not to buy a terminal without it. While purchasing wireless terminals, important factors to be considered are battery life, weight, range, and shock-resistance.

Credit card terminals are perfect for businesses of all sizes. They come in different models. Businesses already using credit card terminals need to buy extra equipments to maintain additional services such as debit card transactions and issuing and accepting gift cards. Always keep your terminals clean. Dust, crumbs, and especially paper lint can quickly block printers and gum up stripe readers.

If you choose to buy your credit card terminal online, do some preparatory research at the outset. You should consider shipping charges and any other hidden costs involved. It is a good idea to compare prices online. Also, check the warranty and customer care services. You may also consider upgrading your existing machine rather than buying a totally new one. It is advisable that you go through online reviews from knowledgeable sources. [http://www.e-CreditCardTerminals.com]Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with [http://www.i-CreditCardProcessing.com]Credit Card Processing Software.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton http://EzineArticles.com/?Buying-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=353175

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Teminals

How To Get A Low Interest Credit Card
By Tom Coleman

Consumers often have the first credit card that they ever
applied for, never really analizing how the interest rate
affects their payments, but many other options exist and can
help consumers decrease their payments and achieve financial
stability.

With interest rates on some credit cards rising to over 23%,
even low balance credit card debt can be crippling. One of the
first research elements a prospective borrower should look at
is the interest rate on transferred debt. This interest rate is
often lower than the usual interest rate for the credit card,
and can be an especially good deal for borrowers who have debt
already. Another element to consider is the interest rate on
new purchases – this rate will be the main concern in the years
to come, as this new credit card will probably become the most
heavily used. Borrowers often worry about annual fees, but
these are often temporary. Getting a credit card with low
interest rates will save a borrower significant sums, usually
much more than the annual fee. Plus, once good credit is
established, the annual fee may later be waived.

Another interest rate will usually apply, as well – the rate
for cash advances. Cash advances are usually limited to a
couple hundred dollars, but credit card companies often insist
that when paying back the balance, the credit portion must be
paid back first, then the portion that the cash advance applies
to. So if you are going to keep a balance on your credit card,
be aware that cash advance interest rates are higher than the
regular interest rates. Cash advances can be incredibly helpful
in emergencies, though, when a credit card cannot be used.

Visa and MasterCard are by far the most commonly accepted
credit cards, so less commonly used cards such as American
Express and Discover often offer special rates for new
customers. These rates are worth attention, even if you think
that you may not be able to use the card as easily as your
previous credit cards, because transferring the balance to
these new cards to obtain the lower interest rate may
significantly lower your payments. While your AmEx or Discover
Card may not be accepted as often, they can be a good tool to
achieving your financial goals.

Even less commonly used are credit cards that are store
specific, such as gas cards or department store cards, but
these cards can offer incredible deals on interest rates. They
rely on the fact that consumers will often switch their
spending patterns to the new gas station or store, and this
increased revenue makes up for the lower interest rates. A
slight change in your habits, such as consistently using the
new credit card at the new gas station, can lower payments and
improve credit scores.

Researching new credit cards can seem daunting, but by
comparing the four main factors, which are the regular interest
rate, the rate on transferred balance, the rate on cash
advances, and the annual fee, you can reduce your credit card
payments significantly.

About the Author: The author runs the finance website
http://www.pawninfo.com about short-term loans and payday
loans, and any or all of this article may be reproduced in any
form as long as there is a link to the website. The HTML is
Pawn Shops and Short Term Loans

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Teminals

Virtual Credit Card Terminals
By Kent Pinkerton

Virtual credit card terminals are the best means for processing credit card payments. They are perfect for any business that accepts credit card payments by phone, fax or e-mail. Virtual credit card terminals are a safe, browser-based interface that allows you to authorize, process, and manage credit card transactions, using any computer with an Internet connection. You do not need a physical credit card terminal.

As they reduce complexity and expenses, virtual credit card terminals are suitable for businesses of all sizes. They are commonly used in utility companies, mail order businesses, call center operations, newspapers and magazines, insurance companies, charities, and service companies. With virtual credit card terminals, you can manually enter credit card transactions for mail or phone order sales, refund money to a customer's credit card, automatically bill customers for recurring charges, check the status of transactions, run a variety of reports, and capture previously authorized transaction.

Virtual terminals are software-based credit card terminals enabling you to quickly capture and authorize credit card transactions in real time. When the process is complete, the merchant receives an authorization number and the server stores the transaction details. Transactions are automatically settled at the end of the day and the reports are generated within two to three business days.

Compared with POS (point of sale) terminals, virtual credit card terminals are very fast. Other features of virtual credit card terminals include address verification service, customer and merchant email notifications, recurring payments, and detailed reporting capabilities. Automatic item sub-total calculation, credit card swipe card option, automatic tax calculation, automatic shipping calculation, item discount calculator, billing and shipping data fields, and coupon or rebate calculator are the added features of virtual credit card terminals.

Unlike other software packages, virtual credit card terminals do not need licensing fees and fees for upgrades and customer service. The cost is always associated with authorizing and processing of credit card transactions. Most software-based credit card terminals utilize flash memory to store the software.

Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with Credit Card Processing Software.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Virtual-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=353178

Monday, July 2, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

Virtual Credit Card Terminals
By Kent Pinkerton

Virtual credit card terminals are the best means for processing credit card payments. They are perfect for any business that accepts credit card payments by phone, fax or e-mail. Virtual credit card terminals are a safe, browser-based interface that allows you to authorize, process, and manage credit card transactions, using any computer with an Internet connection. You do not need a physical credit card terminal.

As they reduce complexity and expenses, virtual credit card terminals are suitable for businesses of all sizes. They are commonly used in utility companies, mail order businesses, call center operations, newspapers and magazines, insurance companies, charities, and service companies. With virtual credit card terminals, you can manually enter credit card transactions for mail or phone order sales, refund money to a customer's credit card, automatically bill customers for recurring charges, check the status of transactions, run a variety of reports, and capture previously authorized transaction.

Virtual terminals are software-based credit card terminals enabling you to quickly capture and authorize credit card transactions in real time. When the process is complete, the merchant receives an authorization number and the server stores the transaction details. Transactions are automatically settled at the end of the day and the reports are generated within two to three business days.

Compared with POS (point of sale) terminals, virtual credit card terminals are very fast. Other features of virtual credit card terminals include address verification service, customer and merchant email notifications, recurring payments, and detailed reporting capabilities. Automatic item sub-total calculation, credit card swipe card option, automatic tax calculation, automatic shipping calculation, item discount calculator, billing and shipping data fields, and coupon or rebate calculator are the added features of virtual credit card terminals.

Unlike other software packages, virtual credit card terminals do not need licensing fees and fees for upgrades and customer service. The cost is always associated with authorizing and processing of credit card transactions. Most software-based credit card terminals utilize flash memory to store the software.

Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with Credit Card Processing Software.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Virtual-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=353178

Monday, May 14, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

Merchant Credit Card Terminals
By Kent Pinkerton

Merchant credit card terminals are electronic devices offering fast, low-cost means to authorize and process credit card transactions. They are very commonly used in retail stores and restaurants. Most merchant credit card terminals accept all major credit, debit, and private-label cards offering low-cost credit card authorization, check guarantee, and data capture for a range of retail applications.

A terminal to process credit cards is a great investment to your business. Most merchant credit card terminals support Internet-based services such as e-mail, electronic signature, interactive electronic coupons, onscreen advertising, cash management reporting, and e-commerce. They make transactions more convenient, faster, and accurate for both customers and merchants.

At first, merchant credit card processing terminals verify your customer's card information. Then they withdraw money for the purchase from the customer?s account and deposit it directly into your merchant account. The most important units of merchant credit card terminals are card readers with a small keypad and display. They require power supply and can communicate through a telephone line. Modern terminals are powered by batteries and can communicate wireless or over the Internet. They come in several sizes and prices.

There are many types of merchant credit card terminals: traditional terminals (with or without printers), wireless terminals, and virtual or software-based terminals. Merchants with a permanent place of business need a basic card reader terminal. In this case, the terminal is placed right on the counter where all transactions take place. For businesses that constantly change locations, a wireless credit card processing terminal is a good choice. It is suitable for merchants who are always on the go.

Millions of merchant credit card terminals ship annually and the majority have the same basic functions and features. It can only be used in combination with a merchant account that processes credit card transactions. Businesses already using credit card terminals need to buy extra equipments to maintain additional services such as debit card transactions and issuing and accepting gift cards. A number of terminals also support additional forms of payment such as electronic bank transfers and phone cards.

Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with Credit Card Processing Software.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Merchant-Credit-Card-Terminals&id=353177

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

Is Your Wireless Network Secure?
By Jeremy Whittaker

Networking professionals are encouraging people to think
twice about wireless network security. You might be
thinking I use WEP-128 bit encryption with MAC address
filtering, I’m safe. Or you may be you’ve never even heard
of WEP, if this is the case you might want to unplug your
wireless access point immediately. But then again look at
the bright side at least you don’t have the false sense of
security that your network is secure. Perhaps you are the
smart guy who knows how insecure wireless networks are. You
too are at just an equal risk!

Your computer consultant might be partially right when they
say WEP will protect your network. It will protect your
network from casual snooping but that is about it. Last
year the FBI was able to crack a WEP protected network in
less than 3 minutes with tools widely available on the
internet. Since then it’s been downhill for WEP.

At this point you might be thinking, “Oh well, someone gets
on my network and uses the internet”. This is completely
false. If someone has gone through the process of getting
on your network chances are the only thing they want is not
internet access. Any computer security professional will
tell you that physical access to the network is 95% of the
security battle. Once this has been accomplished you can
consider all of your data compromised. Customer invoices,
customer data, credit card numbers and passwords to
financial institutions will all be in the hands of a hacker.

One in many methods can be used to gain access to your
personal data, whether it’s through Key loggers, Trojans, or
just by sniffing your plaintext network traffic.

Maybe, just maybe, I have not convinced you of the
insecurities of wireless networks. Let me tell you about
another attack that hackers can use to gain access to your
network. Let’s say your access points are completely locked
down, to your knowledge. A user from your network goes and
flips on their laptop while sitting in an airport terminal
waiting for a plane. They see an available insecure
wireless network so they click on it and connect. None of us
have ever done this before right, itching to check their
email one last time before heading out of town? Unbeknownst
to them they have just clicked on a fake honeypot wireless
network, set up by a rogue hacker that before they can even
realize their machine is already being scanned. Picture for
a moment that user could be anywhere, even sitting at a desk
in your network. Just as long as the rogue access point is
stronger than your AP’s radio signal you’re security is
done.

May be you fall into the category of never setting up
wireless networks because you read about their insecurities.

How then can you be at risk? Just consider for a moment
that a user in your organization fires up his wireless card.

See’s a wireless network that is named XYZCorp after your
company. So they connect to it and immediately a script is
hammering their machine for security vulnerabilities. Once
again they connected to a rogue access point setup by a
hacker. Now you might be thinking. “C’mon you must have to
be a computer genius to find and run these tools.” Think
again, thanks to the kind people over at remote-exploit.org
all these tools can be downloaded in one big happy ISO file.

Burned to a CD as an image and bang you’re done, ready to
take a drive to the nearest business and start sniffing
credit card numbers. Everything wrapped into a nice package
just waiting for the next script kiddy to start running the
programs. You may be thinking ok this is a major problem so
what should I do? Give up my organizations ability to use
wireless networks? This isn’t exactly what we are saying.
A newer wireless security technology has taken over in 2004
called WPA. It is more secure than WEP. And so far tools
are not as readily available to hack your network. But
consider the following. WEP was ratified in the late 1990’s
less than six years later it was exploited. This is typical
of almost every computer technology. It is only a matter of
time before technologies are exploited. Just always
remember Security is a multi-tiered companywide
responsibility. From providing physical security to web
site security all matters should be considered serious and
not taken lightly. So before you grab a wireless access
point and slap it in your network, I urge you to think
twice.

You may think you are in a sinking boat because you are a
small organization not able to implement the latest
technologies and afford the newest access points. Or maybe
you cannot afford to pay an IT staff over 100k-200k a year
to maintain your medium size network. Executives at
N2
Network Solutions say you should consider IT outsourcing or
IT consulting. You can get Industry certified engineers on
a project by project basis. Contractual relationships are
also available to dump the responsibility of your network
into their hands for a fraction of the price. To keep your
small to medium size network performing like a Fortune 500
machine invest the capital and secure your assets.

Jeremy Whittaker is a Senior Consultant for N2 Network Solutions, a leader in Phoenix IT Outsourcing, providing computer services and Phoenix IT Consulting.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Whittaker
http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-Your-Wireless-Network-Secure?&id=256379

































Wireless networking in today's market is everywhere. But is it secure? Even if you haven't installed or configured wireless networking in your network. You can still be at risk.

Friday, May 11, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

Is Your Wireless Network Secure?
By Jeremy Whittaker

Networking professionals are encouraging people to think
twice about wireless network security. You might be
thinking I use WEP-128 bit encryption with MAC address
filtering, I’m safe. Or you may be you’ve never even heard
of WEP, if this is the case you might want to unplug your
wireless access point immediately. But then again look at
the bright side at least you don’t have the false sense of
security that your network is secure. Perhaps you are the
smart guy who knows how insecure wireless networks are. You
too are at just an equal risk!

Your computer consultant might be partially right when they
say WEP will protect your network. It will protect your
network from casual snooping but that is about it. Last
year the FBI was able to crack a WEP protected network in
less than 3 minutes with tools widely available on the
internet. Since then it’s been downhill for WEP.

At this point you might be thinking, “Oh well, someone gets
on my network and uses the internet”. This is completely
false. If someone has gone through the process of getting
on your network chances are the only thing they want is not
internet access. Any computer security professional will
tell you that physical access to the network is 95% of the
security battle. Once this has been accomplished you can
consider all of your data compromised. Customer invoices,
customer data, credit card numbers and passwords to
financial institutions will all be in the hands of a hacker.

One in many methods can be used to gain access to your
personal data, whether it’s through Key loggers, Trojans, or
just by sniffing your plaintext network traffic.

Maybe, just maybe, I have not convinced you of the
insecurities of wireless networks. Let me tell you about
another attack that hackers can use to gain access to your
network. Let’s say your access points are completely locked
down, to your knowledge. A user from your network goes and
flips on their laptop while sitting in an airport terminal
waiting for a plane. They see an available insecure
wireless network so they click on it and connect. None of us
have ever done this before right, itching to check their
email one last time before heading out of town? Unbeknownst
to them they have just clicked on a fake honeypot wireless
network, set up by a rogue hacker that before they can even
realize their machine is already being scanned. Picture for
a moment that user could be anywhere, even sitting at a desk
in your network. Just as long as the rogue access point is
stronger than your AP’s radio signal you’re security is
done.

May be you fall into the category of never setting up
wireless networks because you read about their insecurities.

How then can you be at risk? Just consider for a moment
that a user in your organization fires up his wireless card.

See’s a wireless network that is named XYZCorp after your
company. So they connect to it and immediately a script is
hammering their machine for security vulnerabilities. Once
again they connected to a rogue access point setup by a
hacker. Now you might be thinking. “C’mon you must have to
be a computer genius to find and run these tools.” Think
again, thanks to the kind people over at remote-exploit.org
all these tools can be downloaded in one big happy ISO file.

Burned to a CD as an image and bang you’re done, ready to
take a drive to the nearest business and start sniffing
credit card numbers. Everything wrapped into a nice package
just waiting for the next script kiddy to start running the
programs. You may be thinking ok this is a major problem so
what should I do? Give up my organizations ability to use
wireless networks? This isn’t exactly what we are saying.
A newer wireless security technology has taken over in 2004
called WPA. It is more secure than WEP. And so far tools
are not as readily available to hack your network. But
consider the following. WEP was ratified in the late 1990’s
less than six years later it was exploited. This is typical
of almost every computer technology. It is only a matter of
time before technologies are exploited. Just always
remember Security is a multi-tiered companywide
responsibility. From providing physical security to web
site security all matters should be considered serious and
not taken lightly. So before you grab a wireless access
point and slap it in your network, I urge you to think
twice.

You may think you are in a sinking boat because you are a
small organization not able to implement the latest
technologies and afford the newest access points. Or maybe
you cannot afford to pay an IT staff over 100k-200k a year
to maintain your medium size network. Executives at
N2
Network Solutions say you should consider IT outsourcing or
IT consulting. You can get Industry certified engineers on
a project by project basis. Contractual relationships are
also available to dump the responsibility of your network
into their hands for a fraction of the price. To keep your
small to medium size network performing like a Fortune 500
machine invest the capital and secure your assets.

Jeremy Whittaker is a Senior Consultant for N2 Network Solutions, a leader in Phoenix IT Outsourcing, providing computer services and Phoenix IT Consulting.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Whittaker
http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-Your-Wireless-Network-Secure?&id=256379

































Wireless networking in today's market is everywhere. But is it secure? Even if you haven't installed or configured wireless networking in your network. You can still be at risk.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

Free Credit Card Processing
By Thomas Morva

It is difficult to run a successful e-commerce project without being able to make credit card transactions. Credit card processing involves many things, such as the verification of the consumer's credit card number, expiry date, and other data connected with credit cards.

If you are a beginner in business, free credit card processing services would be an ideal option for you. Unlike regular credit card processing, you don't have to pay for expensive credit card processing software, customer service fees, a secure server, minimum transaction fees, and monthly gateway fees when using free credit card processing.

Most free credit card processing companies charge only a nominal fee per transaction or a monthly percentage fee. Therefore, free processing helps you save a significant amount of money every month. However, this does not work well when merchant accounts are involved. Regular credit card processing involves the payment of a statement fee, a minimum fee, a discount fee, and a license fee, in addition to start-up fees.

If you opt to go with free credit card processing, it is advisable that you visit a credit processing firm to learn what kind of transactions are generally done in credit card processing. Third party credit card processing companies can be a good resource for those who are looking for a less expensive means to accept credit cards online. They normally offer free credit card processing services. Their merchant account doesn?t charge any fee for many transactions, including phone, fax, retail, mail, Internet, or wireless businesses.

Lots of free credit card processing companies do not entail creating your own merchant account. Today, many online businesses make use of free credit card processing. They include CCBill, iBill, V-Share, and ShareIt.

Credit Card Processing provides detailed information on Credit Card Processing, Online Credit Card Processing, Credit Card Processing Software, Wireless Credit Card Processing and more. Credit Card Processing is affiliated with Wireless Credit Card Terminals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva
http://EzineArticles.com/?Free-Credit-Card-Processing&id=353155

























It is difficult to run a successful e-commerce project without being able to make credit card transactions. Credit card processing involves many things, such as the verification of the consumer's credit card number, expiry date, and other data connected with credit cards.

Thursday, May 3, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

POS
By Steve Valentino

Point of sale (POS) is just another name for the cash counters where you pay for your purchases. This could be a supermarket or a highway establishment or any other physical location where money is exchanged across the counter for consumer goods. But gone are the days when one used gingers and mental arithmetic for cash transactions. POS technology has revolutionized consumerism around the world. Electronic calculation, automatic billing, credit card processing, and an accurate record of all day-to-day activities are all just a click away if you have POS systems at your outlet. POS are designed to streamline sales processes and increase efficiency at the point of sale. The error margin in accounts and staff management is considerably less compared to manual POS management, as information is stored and accessed electronically.

POS technology was first developed as barcode readers and electronic cash registers for the Universal Product Code (UPC) in 1974 for the United States and Canada; it was aimed at accelerating the payment process in a business transaction. But now, they are fully standardized computer systems that keep track of the customer records, stores, and product information in a sales or service outlet. What first served as an advanced calculator has now emerged as a means of foolproof remote management of business procedures across the globe. With the advent of wireless technology, POS has taken a step forward with handheld POS systems that bring information to your fingertips.

Many manufacturers and dealers offer ready-to-use POS technology, complete with hardware, software, and equipment to suit the specific needs of different users. They include monitors, computer terminals, scanners, printers, and cash registers, along with easy installation software CDROMS. Basic computer requirements for a basic POS system are Windows, UNIX, or Linux, depending upon the kind of software used for point-of-sale activities. Gathering business intelligence becomes much faster with the aid of a POS system, providing for accurate planning of profit margins and increasing sales efficiency.

POS provides detailed information on POS, POS Software, POS Systems, Restaurant POS and more. POS is affiliated with Metal Store Fixtures.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Valentino
http://EzineArticles.com/?POS&id=204452

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

Free Credit Card Processing
By Thomas Morva

It is difficult to run a successful e-commerce project without being able to make credit card transactions. Credit card processing involves many things, such as the verification of the consumer's credit card number, expiry date, and other data connected with credit cards.

If you are a beginner in business, free credit card processing services would be an ideal option for you. Unlike regular credit card processing, you don't have to pay for expensive credit card processing software, customer service fees, a secure server, minimum transaction fees, and monthly gateway fees when using free credit card processing.

Most free credit card processing companies charge only a nominal fee per transaction or a monthly percentage fee. Therefore, free processing helps you save a significant amount of money every month. However, this does not work well when merchant accounts are involved. Regular credit card processing involves the payment of a statement fee, a minimum fee, a discount fee, and a license fee, in addition to start-up fees.

If you opt to go with free credit card processing, it is advisable that you visit a credit processing firm to learn what kind of transactions are generally done in credit card processing. Third party credit card processing companies can be a good resource for those who are looking for a less expensive means to accept credit cards online. They normally offer free credit card processing services. Their merchant account doesn?t charge any fee for many transactions, including phone, fax, retail, mail, Internet, or wireless businesses.

Lots of free credit card processing companies do not entail creating your own merchant account. Today, many online businesses make use of free credit card processing. They include CCBill, iBill, V-Share, and ShareIt.

Credit Card Processing provides detailed information on Credit Card Processing, Online Credit Card Processing, Credit Card Processing Software, Wireless Credit Card Processing and more. Credit Card Processing is affiliated with Wireless Credit Card Terminals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva
http://EzineArticles.com/?Free-Credit-Card-Processing&id=353155

Monday, April 30, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

How To Get A Low Interest Credit Card
By Tom Coleman

Consumers often have the first credit card that they ever
applied for, never really analizing how the interest rate
affects their payments, but many other options exist and can
help consumers decrease their payments and achieve financial
stability.

With interest rates on some credit cards rising to over 23%,
even low balance credit card debt can be crippling. One of the
first research elements a prospective borrower should look at
is the interest rate on transferred debt. This interest rate is
often lower than the usual interest rate for the credit card,
and can be an especially good deal for borrowers who have debt
already. Another element to consider is the interest rate on
new purchases – this rate will be the main concern in the years
to come, as this new credit card will probably become the most
heavily used. Borrowers often worry about annual fees, but
these are often temporary. Getting a credit card with low
interest rates will save a borrower significant sums, usually
much more than the annual fee. Plus, once good credit is
established, the annual fee may later be waived.

Another interest rate will usually apply, as well – the rate
for cash advances. Cash advances are usually limited to a
couple hundred dollars, but credit card companies often insist
that when paying back the balance, the credit portion must be
paid back first, then the portion that the cash advance applies
to. So if you are going to keep a balance on your credit card,
be aware that cash advance interest rates are higher than the
regular interest rates. Cash advances can be incredibly helpful
in emergencies, though, when a credit card cannot be used.

Visa and MasterCard are by far the most commonly accepted
credit cards, so less commonly used cards such as American
Express and Discover often offer special rates for new
customers. These rates are worth attention, even if you think
that you may not be able to use the card as easily as your
previous credit cards, because transferring the balance to
these new cards to obtain the lower interest rate may
significantly lower your payments. While your AmEx or Discover
Card may not be accepted as often, they can be a good tool to
achieving your financial goals.

Even less commonly used are credit cards that are store
specific, such as gas cards or department store cards, but
these cards can offer incredible deals on interest rates. They
rely on the fact that consumers will often switch their
spending patterns to the new gas station or store, and this
increased revenue makes up for the lower interest rates. A
slight change in your habits, such as consistently using the
new credit card at the new gas station, can lower payments and
improve credit scores.

Researching new credit cards can seem daunting, but by
comparing the four main factors, which are the regular interest
rate, the rate on transferred balance, the rate on cash
advances, and the annual fee, you can reduce your credit card
payments significantly.

About the Author: The author runs the finance website
http://www.pawninfo.com about short-term loans and payday
loans, and any or all of this article may be reproduced in any
form as long as there is a link to the website. The HTML is
Pawn Shops and Short Term Loans

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Saturday, April 28, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

Credit Card Is Adding The Silver Lining To Your Pocket
By Sarah Jones

In the new millennium plastic money or credit cards has
rendered a new zing factor to your pocket. This has not only
made you economically more flexible but subsequently added
glamour to your financial image as well. No more bulging out
hip pockets with excess of liquid cash. Instead, the slimmer
your pocket; the smarter you look. But behind all these
inviting attributes of credit cards there seems to be a trap
laid out for people who are impulsive and careless
(http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/avoidcardtraps.html)

The usage of credit cards have been on the highest spree this
decade and along with the usage, the debt rates has also
somersaulted sky high. Majority of the citizens of the U.S. owe
thousands of dollars as credit card bills. While gross dollar
volume on bank credit cards has increased 2.5 times since 1994,
the average transaction has increased about 16% over the past
decade. The average transaction on a general purpose credit
card, carrying the VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or
Discover brand, is now approaching $102, compared to $87 in
1994.

23rd Dec. 2004 is termed as Black Thursday and is poised to be
a voluminous day in credit card usage in 2004. On this day
Americans have used credit and debit cards to pay for nearly
$12 billion. This computes to an average of more than $8
million per minute; however it could easily top $20 million per
minute during peak hours.

In the present era credit card debt carried by an average
American is about $8,562 (Approx.). The total U.S. credit card
debt in the first quarter of 2002 was approximately $60 billion
(Approx.). Total finance charges Americans paid in 2001is $50
billion (Approx.).

Recently, the New York Times examined how the use of credit has
taken off dramatically in the United States since 1990. While
the number of people holding charge cards grew about 75
percent. This went up from 82 million in 1990 to 144 million in
2003 and the amount they charged during that period grew by a
much larger percentage. It is approximately 350 percent, from
$338 billion to $1.5 trillion.

Nellie Mae, the nation’s largest maker of student loans says
that the average undergraduate student has $2,200 in credit
card debt. That figure jumps to $5,800 for graduate students.
David Sandor, a vice president at Visa USA, says that only 54
percent of college students pay off their credit card balances
every month.

The average credit card interest rate is around 18.9%.
Approximately half of all credit card holders pay only their
minimum monthly requirements. There are a total of 1.2 billion
credit and retail cards in North America. The number of credit
card holders who declared bankruptcy last year was a huge 1.3
million.

Credit cards have undoubtedly given us better mileage in
handling our finance; it has made us mobile and flexible in
cash handling. But it is extremely important to make proper
utilization of this plastic money. There lies a big black
trench of debts if you use it recklessly. These slim plastic
cards can often be the cause of bulk debts if one is impulsive
or unwise.

For better insight in this topic please view:
http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/card-starter.html
http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/card-counseling.html

About the Author: Sarah Jones is a contributing writer to
http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com And is currently working
on a special section in the site called do it yourself where
you can eliminate your debts and become debt free... Email:
sarah@debtconsolidationcare.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Friday, April 27, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

How To Accept Credit Card Sales
By Shane Penrod

No matter how long you’ve been in business, you may not be sure about how to accept credit card sales from your clients. Perhaps you long to start processing credit payments so you can increase the amount of your sales revenue or offer your clients more payment transactions. Maybe you’re just tired of chasing bad checks or waiting for monthly payments on client accounts. If you’re ready to add credit card processing to your line of customer services, a merchant services account may be just what you need.



A merchant account associate can show you how to accept credit card sales by using the right type of processing equipment. By signing up for a merchant account, you will soon find out if you’re approved, and upon approval, you can start using your account to implement a credit processing system for just about any type of business you’re in. A simple credit card terminal equipped with a printer can be plugged into an outlet at your store or shop to let your customers quickly swipe credit cards for easy payments on the purchases they make. Your merchant account underwriter will charge a certain amount for each transaction, or you might be able to opt for a low percentage rate on your monthly credit payment volume. If you’re in a window washing or another service business, or if you deliver items like baked goodies, you can lease or buy a wireless credit card processor to take with you in your travels for point-of-sale credit card payments.

How soon can a merchant account let you know how to accept credit card sales? The first thing to do is find a bank or another financial backer who will provide this type of account for your business. Then apply for your company account by filling out an online application or by completing and mailing a printed form. Some banks may charge an application fee of $100 or more, so find out ahead of time if you will need to pay this fee, and if so, you might want to consider shopping for another account provider. Also check into the costs associated with a particular merchant account so you can find the best deal, as these can carry several types of fees, some of which may at first appear to be hidden. When your account is approved, you can immediately get set up with the right equipment to handle credit card payments, e-checks, and debit payments as well. You may even want to consider setting up a digital processing system so your customers can dial a toll-free number, browse products online or from a print catalogue they have already received, and punch in their orders as well as a credit card number and expiration date for payment. You don’t even have to hire someone to staff the phone line, although it is probably a good idea to have someone available for a few hours during a typical business day.

Ask your bank or another financial lender to tell you more about the ways in which a merchant account can show you how to accept credit card sales.

About The Author

Shane Penrod is the founder of http://www.Merchant-Account-Quotes.com Specializing in allowing merchants the ability to shop and compare multiple quotes from national merchant account providers. For free quotes on merchant account rates and fees, please go to http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com

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Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

How Wireless Handheld Credit Card Processing Can Save Your Business Time and Money
By Gerald Schiano



If you are in a service business, how often do you invoice someone and wait 30, 60, 90+ days to get paid. How often do you never get paid? Many of you might already appreciate the benefits of accepting Visa/Mastercard, Amex, and Discover, but currently call in/key in credit card transactions. The fact that a physical credit card is not swiped is costing your business money. It is considered a higher risk transaction and your discount rate will be higher on a non-swiped card transaction. The solution that will save your company time and money is the wireless credit card terminal.

Wireless networks have evolved to the point where they are now very comprehensive and cost effective. The following list of professions could benefit substantially from wireless processing: plumbers, locksmiths, taxis, limo’s, pizza delivery, home parties, trade show participants, flea market merchants, contractors, electricians, snow plowing, lawn maintenance and photographers. The list is endless!

We all know that it is much more appetizing to spend a little more money when you use plastic. Credit Cards also make it more possible for an impulse purchase. For example, we are currently quoting an aerial photographer that takes beautiful pictures of homes in New England, then sells the finished product to the homeowner. A wireless terminal will surely increase his business and grab many of those impulse buyers that might not have purchased with cash on hand.

In closing, many industries could benefit from a wireless hand held credit card terminal. As always, do your research before purchasing and demand that your credit card processor educate you on all aspects of your contract!

Gerald Schiano is a consultant with United Bankcard of New England. He can be reached for a complimentary analysis of your businesses current credit card processing statement or a bid on new service. http://www.unitedbankcardlowrates.com, consult@unitedbankcardlowrates.com, http://stores.ebay.com/UBC-of-NE-Accept-Credit-Cards-Now 401-404-5600

There is a reason UBC is the sixth fastest growing private company in the INC 500. Great Service & Great Pricing!

United Bankcard of New England is a proud Agent for United Bankcard a registered ISO/MSP of First National Bank Of Omaha

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Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

The "Credit Card Debt Termination" Scam
By Charles Phelan

"Legally terminate credit card debt! You can be debt-free in
4-6 months!" Advertisements like this are for a new type of
program that has spread via the Internet over the past few
years. It's called "Credit Card Debt Termination," and victims
are paying up to $3,500 for this bogus service. In this
article, I'll review the principles behind this program and
explain exactly why it's a scam to be avoided.

First, let's get our definitions straight. The scheme I'm
describing here should not be confused with Debt Consolidation
or Debt Settlement (also known as Debt Negotiation), both of
which are legitimate and ethical methods for debt resolution.
The easiest way to distinguish the Credit Card Debt Termination
scam from other valid programs is based on the central claim
that you really don't owe any money!

With Debt Consolidation, you pay back all of your debt
balances. With Debt Settlement, you pay back a lower amount
(usually around 50%) while the creditor agrees to forgive the
remaining balance. However, with the bogus Credit Card Debt
Termination program, promoters claim that you won't need to pay
anything at all (except their outrageous fees, naturally). They
make the surprising claim that you can legally wipe away your
debts simply by using their super-duper magic documents. Based
on some legal mumbo-jumbo, the claim is made that you really
didn't borrow any money from your creditors!

In order to understand this scam, a little background is
necessary. Remember the tax protest movement back in the 1970s?
People were claiming that the IRS tax collection system was
unconstitutional, and based on their misinterpretation of the
tax code, they refused to pay taxes. The IRS came down hard on
the tax protest movement, and through the court system, they
blew holes in all the legal arguments put forth by the
protesters. The Credit Card Debt Termination scam is a lot like
the tax protest movement. In fact, among collection
professionals, it's called the "monetary protest movement."

Just like the tax protest movement, there is a common theme
that runs through all of the promotional materials issued by
the monetary protestors. The basic idea is that our Federal
Reserve monetary system and generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP) do not permit banks to loan out their own
money. Therefore, according to their interpretation, the credit
card banks are the ones running the scam on the American public.

Stay with me here, because the logic is pretty strange. If a
bank cannot lend its own money, how does a credit card bank
extend credit? The claim here is that your credit card
agreement itself becomes a form of money (known as a promissory
note) the moment you sign it. The idea is that the bank
"deposits" your agreement as an asset on their books, and then
any credit you use is offset as a liability against that asset.
In other words, the core concept here is that you literally
borrowed your own money from the credit card bank.

So let's say your balance with ABC Credit Card Bank is $10,000,
which you borrowed against the card to make everyday purchases.
The scam promoters say all you need to do is notify the bank
that you want your original "deposit" back. However, you will
permit the bank to offset the amount you borrowed against the
amount you have on "deposit." Presto! You don't owe the balance
anymore!

Now, as you can imagine, the banks don't take kindly to such
tactics. Many of the consumers using this technique are getting
sued by their creditors. But the scammers have more tricks
available, as if the "smoke and mirrors" financial nonsense
wasn't enough. One of their techniques is the use of bogus
"arbitration" forums. Arbitration is of course a legitimate
system that allows businesses and individuals to resolve
disputes without going to court. What do the scammers do? They
coach people on how to set up a fake arbitration forum, for the
express purpose of making a dispute against their creditors!
Naturally, the creditors will not send representatives to some
non-existent arbitration forum, so the consumer gets to
rubber-stamp their own arbitration award. If they get sued in a
regular court, they present their bogus award to the judge in
the hopes that the creditor's lawsuit will be dismissed.

There are other techniques used by promoters of this scheme,
but the key point to remember is the central claim that your
credit card debt does not really exist. Of course, it's all
nonsense based on a misinterpretation of our monetary system,
and if you step back and think about for a minute, the truth
seems pretty obvious. What these scammers are saying is that
the entire $700 billion credit card industry is operating on an
illegal basis! Even if the legal theory used by the promoters
were true (which it isn't), do you think for a moment the
government would allow this giant industry to go under? That's
exactly what would happen if the promoter's claims were proven
true and used on a widespread basis.

The Federal Trade Commission, which has jurisdiction here,
hasn't stomped on these con artists yet, but it's only a matter
of time. Unfortunately, in the meanwhile, consumers are being
bilked out of millions of dollars for a worthless program that
will only get them into deep trouble with their creditors. If
you are approached by someone offering to wipe away your debts
using this system, I strongly recommend you run in the other
direction while you hold on tightly to your wallet or purse.

Remember, you can eliminate your debts if you take a
disciplined approach to your finances, make a budget and stick
to it, and don't use your credit cards unless you can pay off
new balances in full each month.

Good luck in your financial future!

About the Author: Charles J. Phelan has been helping people
become debt-free without bankruptcy since 1997. A former
executive in the debt settlement industry, he teaches the
do-it-yourself method of debt negotiation. Audio-CD material
plus expert personal coaching helps consumers achieve
professional results at a fraction of the cost.
http://www.zipdebt.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Monday, April 16, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

Wireless Credit Card Processing
By Thomas Morva

Given the hectic work schedules that people keep nowadays, a number of tools have been developed to help people especially business owner who are always on the go to conduct their business from different locations. Some of these tools include wireless Internet connections, and cellular phones. However, there have been recent innovations in these kinds of tools that have made it even easier to conduct business even when people are on the road or in remote locations. One example of this is the wireless merchant account, which allows business owners to accept credit card payments even when they are on the road. The good news is that just like a traditional merchant account, setting up a wireless merchant account is a fairly easy process.

Setting up and using a wireless merchant account

The first step in setting up a wireless merchant account is to find a wireless merchant service provider. One of the best sources of these kinds of service providers is the Internet, where business owners could visit the websites of banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions that provide merchant account services. Usually, the process of applying for a wireless merchant account only takes a few days, which is enough time for the service provider to assess the application.

Once an online business is approved, business owners are given the choice of equipment that they could use to help them use the account. Some examples of these include a credit card processor that could be plugged on any outlet, terminals, and printers, all of which would be very easy to transport and set up. After this, business owners could then use the equipment to accept credit card payments in any location and if they feel that they require more equipment, they could just go to their service provider and get other gadgets like a debit processor or a pager.

Nowadays, wireless technology also extends to credit card processing. This is because today, businesses can set up a wireless merchant account, which would allow them to process credit card payments even when they are on the go. The good news is that setting up this kind of account is a failure easy process that makes possible for almost all business owners conduct their business from anywhere, which can mean higher sales.

Credit Card Processing provides detailed information on Credit Card Processing, Online Credit Card Processing, Credit Card Processing Software, Wireless Credit Card Processing and more. Credit Card Processing is affiliated with Wireless Credit Card Terminals.

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Saturday, April 14, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

Merchant Credit Card Terminals
By Kent Pinkerton

Merchant credit card terminals are electronic devices offering fast, low-cost means to authorize and process credit card transactions. They are very commonly used in retail stores and restaurants. Most merchant credit card terminals accept all major credit, debit, and private-label cards offering low-cost credit card authorization, check guarantee, and data capture for a range of retail applications.

A terminal to process credit cards is a great investment to your business. Most merchant credit card terminals support Internet-based services such as e-mail, electronic signature, interactive electronic coupons, onscreen advertising, cash management reporting, and e-commerce. They make transactions more convenient, faster, and accurate for both customers and merchants.

At first, merchant credit card processing terminals verify your customer's card information. Then they withdraw money for the purchase from the customer?s account and deposit it directly into your merchant account. The most important units of merchant credit card terminals are card readers with a small keypad and display. They require power supply and can communicate through a telephone line. Modern terminals are powered by batteries and can communicate wireless or over the Internet. They come in several sizes and prices.

There are many types of merchant credit card terminals: traditional terminals (with or without printers), wireless terminals, and virtual or software-based terminals. Merchants with a permanent place of business need a basic card reader terminal. In this case, the terminal is placed right on the counter where all transactions take place. For businesses that constantly change locations, a wireless credit card processing terminal is a good choice. It is suitable for merchants who are always on the go.

Millions of merchant credit card terminals ship annually and the majority have the same basic functions and features. It can only be used in combination with a merchant account that processes credit card transactions. Businesses already using credit card terminals need to buy extra equipments to maintain additional services such as debit card transactions and issuing and accepting gift cards. A number of terminals also support additional forms of payment such as electronic bank transfers and phone cards.

Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with Credit Card Processing Software.

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Friday, April 13, 2007

Wireless Credit Card Terminals

Virtual Credit Card Terminals
By Kent Pinkerton

Virtual credit card terminals are the best means for processing credit card payments.

They are perfect for any business that accepts credit card payments by phone, fax or

e-mail. Virtual credit card terminals are a safe, browser-based interface that allows

you to authorize, process, and manage credit card transactions, using any computer

with an Internet connection. You do not need a physical credit card terminal.

As they reduce complexity and expenses, virtual credit card terminals are suitable for

businesses of all sizes. They are commonly used in utility companies, mail order

businesses, call center operations, newspapers and magazines, insurance

companies, charities, and service companies. With virtual credit card terminals, you

can manually enter credit card transactions for mail or phone order sales, refund

money to a customer's credit card, automatically bill customers for recurring charges,

check the status of transactions, run a variety of reports, and capture previously

authorized transaction.

Virtual terminals are software-based credit card terminals enabling you to quickly

capture and authorize credit card transactions in real time. When the process is

complete, the merchant receives an authorization number and the server stores the

transaction details. Transactions are automatically settled at the end of the day and

the reports are generated within two to three business days.

Compared with POS (point of sale) terminals, virtual credit card terminals are very

fast. Other features of virtual credit card terminals include address verification service,

customer and merchant email notifications, recurring payments, and detailed reporting

capabilities. Automatic item sub-total calculation, credit card swipe card option,

automatic tax calculation, automatic shipping calculation, item discount calculator,

billing and shipping data fields, and coupon or rebate calculator are the added features

of virtual credit card terminals.

Unlike other software packages, virtual credit card terminals do not need licensing

fees and fees for upgrades and customer service. The cost is always associated with

authorizing and processing of credit card transactions. Most software-based credit

card terminals utilize flash memory to store the software.

Credit Card Terminals provides detailed information on Credit Card Terminals, Credit

Card Terminal Systems, Wireless Credit Card Terminals, Credit Card Processing

Terminals and more. Credit Card Terminals is affiliated with Credit Card Processing

Software.

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