How to Check ID With a Credit Card

Increasing identity theft with credit cards means IDs should be checked.

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Credit cards are often used to pay for food, clothing or other goods and services. When used at a store, retailers will often forget to ask for an ID, or they will be too embarrassed to ask customers for an ID. Unfortunately, identity theft has grown over the years, and now it is imperative that IDs be looked over and checked when a credit card is being used. It is a sound way to prevent identity theft and limit the number of thieves that try to use another person’s credit card.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 1

   Ask customers to show an ID for credit card purchases. Make sure to ask all customers purchasing items with a credit card for an ID so it doesn't appear that you are singling out individuals.

2. 2

   Look at the picture on the ID and verify that the individual in the ID looks the same as the person holding the credit card. The faces should match, though there might be signs of aging if the card is a few years old.

3. 3

   Match the names. First and last names should match. If there is a middle initial, make sure the middle initial is also a match before assuming it is the same person.

4. 4

   Check that the ID is real. Fraudulent IDs are used around the country, but they will always have slight differences from real IDs, such as inaccurate state symbols in the lamination or information in the wrong locations.

Read more: How to Check ID With a Credit Card | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_6684779_check-id-credit-card.html#ixzz1E5MVpOq3

What Is a Secured Card?

Secured cards are a good tool for repairing your credit.

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A secured card is a type of credit card. This type of credit card limits the amount of credit available to a savings account the bank holds as collateral. Students and people seeking to establish or rebuild their credit often open a secured credit card account.

Collateral

1. 
   Fotolia.com">rainy day savings image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
   Secured cards are guaranteed by your savings.
   Banks that issue secure credit cards require you open a savings account with them. The amount required to secure the card can vary from several hundred to several thousand dollars. The cardholder can't use the savings account to make payments on the card account. It is held as security against the chance of cardholder default. According to the Federal Trade Commission, most banks pay interest on the savings account used to secure a credit card.

Interest Rate

2. Banks that issue secured credit cards generally charge higher interest rates than for unsecured cards. Look carefully at the application and disclosure documents to see exactly what interest rates you can be subject to pay.

Warning

3. Secured credit cards are a legitimate tool for credit access and repair but unscrupulous marketers and some lenders use deceptive marketing practices to attract victims for their scams. Be wary of offers guaranteeing credit, easy credit or any that ask you to call a 1- 900 telephone number.

Read more: What Is a Secured Card? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_7383527_secured-card_.html#ixzz1E5LjpM4E

What Types of Credit Cards Are Available?

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   Anyone who receives preapproved credit card offers in the mail knows there are hundreds of different credit cards. Most cards fall into a few major categories depending on their features. The best credit card for a person depends on his credit history and how he plans to use the credit card. Most people can choose from a few different types of credit cards to get the best benefits for different types of purchases and situations.

General Credit Cards

2. Companies such as Visa, MasterCard and Discover issue general use credit cards. Terms on these cards vary, but they often offer lower interest rates than specialized types of credit cards. Some general use credit cards have a promotional APR of 0 percent for the first six months or year to entice new customers. This type of credit card is likely to be best for people who carry a balance from month to month because it has the lowest interest rate.

Rewards Cards

3. People who use credit cards frequently can benefit from rewards cards. With these cards, purchases earn points the user can redeem for rewards, including cash back, airline miles, gift cards, electronics and other items. Some rewards cards offer rewards in only one category or with only one business and others offer more general rewards. Specialized rewards cards include airline cards, gas station cards, hotel cards and cash back cards. People should consider the value of their rewards before getting a rewards card because an annual fee or higher interest rates may cost as much as the annual rewards are worth.

Secured Credit Cards

4. People who have a bad credit history and cannot obtain a traditional credit card may choose to get a secured credit card. Although the card looks and works just like a regular credit card, the user must make a security deposit in a savings account with a bank and has a credit line equal to the amount of the deposit. Secured credit cards that report to credit bureaus help people build credit history. Because secured credit cards often have annual fees and high interest rates, people with good credit should avoid them.

Store Cards

5. Store credit cards are issued by a particular retail store and can only be used to make purchases at that store. Some store cards can be used at a family of stores rather than just one store. For example, the Old Navy store credit card also works at Gap and Banana Republic. In most cases, users accumulate reward points for purchases and can cash in reward points for discounts off merchandise from that store.

Charge Cards

6. Charge cards look like credit cards but there is a difference. A charge card must be paid in full every month, whereas a consumer can carry a balance on a credit card while making only the minimum payment.

Read more: What Types of Credit Cards Are Available? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_7183290_types-credit-cards-available_.html#ixzz1E5L1gQrb

How to choose the best Credit Cards

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User-Submitted Article

When choosing a credit card you need to be very wise, and do your research before applying for any credit card. Any credit card you choose it should be the best credit card that beneficial for you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 1

   Before you apply for any credit card you will need to read the small print so you will understand what you are applying for. Understand the late payment charges, grace periods, interest rate, annual fee, over-limit fees and cash advance fees. All of these factors could put you in a bind if not fully understood.

2. 2

   When researching annual fee choose the one that doesn't charge you any annual fee. Some credit cards charge $25.00 a year which could get really expensive. Read the find print because annual fees vary with each card.

3. 3

   When researching interests rate be sure to understand how much the company will charge. Sometime they charge interest for purchase products and some charge for everything. I know capital one charged for everything, I didn't research that card, learn from my mistakes!

4. 4

   Really read the agreement of late-payment charges some credit cards will charge 30 dollars every time you are late, on top of your monthly bill. This could really get expensive.

5. 5

   After you have weeded out the highest interest cards with annual fees make a list of question, call the customer service number of that company and get your list of question answered. Example question you can ask:
   • What is the citizenship requirement?
   • Do you recommend a certain credit card?
   • What are the qualifications, does credit score matter?
   • How long does it take to get approved and how soon will I receive my new card.
   • If denied will I be notified why?

6. 6

   Then pick your top choice. When you receive your card be sure to read over everything to make sure it is correct and make sure all your payments are on time and don't go over your limit.

Read more: How to choose the best Credit Cards | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5198531_choose-credit-cards.html#ixzz1E5KSTtQk

How to Apply for a Credit Card

A credit card is a card issued by a bank, retailer or consumer store, which allows purchase of goods and services on credit for a specific limit, interest rate and time period. There are a variety of credit cards to choose from, depending on the requirements of the person. You can apply for a credit card online, through paper application or by phone. Here's how to apply for a credit card.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 1

   Find out information about credit card plans, rates and terms on the Internet, in personal finance magazines and in newspapers.

2. 2

   Fill out the paper application for a credit card of your choice, if you do not want to apply online. Ensure that the application is endorsed by the credit card company and is an original document, not photocopied.

3. 3

   Apply on phone, by calling up the toll free (800) number of the credit card company of your choice. This number can be found online, through yellow pages, newspapers or magazines. Follow the automatic instructions that you hear when you call the number.

4. 4

   Apply online, which is usually the easiest, fastest and most preferred method of credit card application. Go online and search for the different credit card options offered by different banks, financial institutions and stores.

5. 5

   Compare the different features as regards the fixed or fluctuating interest rates, APR, credit limits, interest-free days, penalties, grace periods, schemes for cash advances and balance transfers, attractive offers and other implied costs.

6. 6

   Choose one to suit your requirements and search for applying options online.

7. 7

   Check for the preconditions of applying, such as a driving license number, social security number, date of birth and address proof. Usually, there is no need to have a bank account in a specific bank, nor do you need to maintain a minimum bank balance.

8. 8

   Fill in the details, double check the information included, read the privacy statement and click on "Apply."

9. 9

   Apply for multiple credit cards if you choose. However, the authority to issue of all these cards simultaneously rests with the issuer, who will first ensure whether you have a reliable financial background.

Read more: How to Apply for a Credit Card | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_1000615_apply-credit-card.html#ixzz1E5JJjkaC

5 Tips to Credit Card Identity Theft Prevention

In a recent article in Computer World, Tom Patterson CSO of Magtek, with his Glamor Shot photo, provides “5 counter-fraud tips you’ve never been told”. Anything a consumer can do to reduce their risk for account takeover, they should exercise. While in most cases the consumer isn’t responsible for the losses, as long as you refute the fraud in a specified time frame, and it’s your duty as a citizen to do so. Studies show much of the terrorists funding is coming from card fraud. Card fraud is a breach of national security.

Tip#1 Stare down your waiter, waitress, gas station attendant or anyone who you hand your card. Or at least stare at the card in process. You want to see where that card is going and how it’s being used. The idea here is to make sure the card isn’t being “skimmed” with a skimmer. This is good advice when it’s possible. Most waiters, gas station attendants walk away with the card. This really only works at a POS where the clerk never leaves the terminal. What you should see is the clerk swiping the card through a PC/register based fixed keyboard or terminal. If you see them swipe the card in a handheld skimmer or something on their body, like attached to a belt or ankle that’s a redflag.

Tip#2 Shield your pin. This is absolutely necessary at any POS or ATM. The public nature of these devices makes it very easy for someone to shoulder surf and grab your pin. A cell phone video cam over your shoulder, a video camera from 50 feet away, binoculars or even a hidden camera attached the to face of the ATM can all compromise your pin. See here as explained in this video I did on ExtraTV demonstrating how I bought an ATM off Craigslist and rolled it all over Boston.

Tip#3 Change your card number. With millions of card numbers hacked over the last few years, chances are yours was compromised. I for one have had 3 changes of credit cards due to card issuers being proactive and sending me a new card whether I liked it or not. Tom suggests voluntarily changing your credit card number every few months. While this is an extra layer of protection, it’s not at all practical and I doubt even Tom does it. I have numerous EFT’s set up with my cards and changing the number means changing them as well. It’s enough of a burden to change it all when the banks issue a new card. But a nice idea if you have the time.

Tip#4 Check your credit card statements every day. This is an extra layer of protection that requires savant like attention. You check your email every day so checking your credit card statements every day is do-able right? Every week is sufficient. Even every 2 weeks is OK. Just make sure to check with your bank to determine what their cutoff date is to refute unauthorized withdrawals. For most credit cards it’s 60 days. For most banks it can be under 30 days. This is the most important tip of all.

Tip#5 Authenticate the card. Or the card holder. Today this is out of the hands of the consumer. There are a number of new technologies that if banks/retailers/industry adopt to identify the actual card/user at the POS or even online then most, if not all of the card fraud problems will be solved. There is a race going on right now to see who gets there first. In the next 1-5 years we may see new cards being issued such as “chip and pin” which are standard in Europe. Or no new cards at all but changes in the system that the card holder is unaware of, or a 2 card system that requires a second swipe of another authenticating card the hacker doesn’t have access to. There are also readily available technologies that will allow the turning on/off of your card with your own preset spend limits too. We will see how this all plays out.

The best defense against new account credit card fraud is identity theft protection. Go to ConsumersUnion.org and follow the steps for your particular state. This is an absolutely necessary tool to secure your credit. In most cases, it prevents new accounts from being opened in your name. This makes your Social Security number useless to a potential identity thief.

Invest in Intelius identity theft protection and prevention. Not all forms of identity theft protection can be prevented, but identity theft protection services can dramatically reduce your risk. (Disclosures)

Robert Siciliano identity theft speaker discussing credit card fraud on CNBC

7 Tips To Better Credit Card Security

Every time you use a credit card, you increase the chances of that card number being used fraudulently. Cards can be skimmed and hacked in a number of different ways.

Watch your card. Whenever you hand your credit or debit card to a salesperson or waiter, watch to see where your card is taken and what is done with it. It’s normal for the card to be swiped through a point of sale terminal or keyboard card reader. But if you happen to see your card swiped through an additional reader that doesn’t coincide with the transaction the card number may have been stolen.

Cover your PIN. There may be cameras or “shoulder surfers” recording your PIN at an ATM or point of sale terminal. Cover up the keypad to foil the bad guys’ plan.

Change up your card number. This is inconvenient but effective. The more frequently you change your number, the more secure that number will be. Once or twice a year is good.

Select online shopping websites carefully. When searching for a product or service online, do business only with those you recognize. Established e-retailers are your safest bet.

Beware of phishing. Never purchase products or services by responding to an email. This generally results in your card number being phished.

Use secure sites. Before entering a credit card number, always look for “https” in the address bar. The “s” in “https” means the site has an additional layer of protection that encrypts the card number.

The most important tip of all is to watch your statements. This extra layer of protection requires special attention. If you check your email daily, you ought to be able to check your credit card statements daily, too, right? Once a week is sufficient, and even once every two weeks is okay. Just be sure to refute any unauthorized withdrawals or transactions within the time limit stipulated by your bank. For most credit cards, it’s 60 days, and for debit cards the limit can be 30 days or less.