June 9th, 2010
Victor Epand recently asked:
Most of the major providers have prepaid plans that allow you to put a certain dollar amount (say, $100.00) onto a pre-paid plan and then you just use it when you need it. I would suggest the plan where the minutes do not expire within 30 days, so that she doesn’t have to worry about it.
For example, Some companies have a plan where you can put money on your account and then you just pay $1.00 each day you use your phone and $.10 a minute. With with kind of plan, if you put on $15, it’s only good for 30 days and then it expires, however, if you put $100.00 on the account, then it is good for 365 days. Your mom would not have to worry about adding funds, paying invoices, etc. because whenever she used the phone, the money would be deducted from the $100 she originally put on the account.
Other Wireless companies offers Impulse, which is very similar, however, the minutes expire after 120 days maximum (i.e., $150 or more expires in 120 days).
Some companies offers a “Spending Limit Program”, where as long as you don’t go over your predefined limit (i.e., you pay for your usage upfront), you are good to go. You are basically choosing from their plans and pre-paying and then as long as you don’t go over…
Other companies offers a very attractive prepaid plan, where your bonus minutes don’t expire for 1 year. You get more minutes added based on how much you put on the card. For $100.00, you would get 1,000 minutes added plus the minutes don’t expire for a year.
So, I would start by looking at the coverage maps for the area that your mother lives in (or drives in) and see what provider has the best coverage. If some of the companies have the best coverage, I would suggest choosing one of these providers because I think they have the best prepaid plans (minutes that don’t expire for 1 year). I would suggest that your mom put $100 on her account and then for the next year, she won’t have to worry.
Have had a look at the deals that the company dose and they are very reasonable. If you do just want a phone for making an odd call a work or on the road then the Nokia 1221 would be perfect. It’s a very simple phone with an airtime balance display. You get a coupon book that can save you loads on your future air time.
I would say in your case go to some of the stores around your area or some other retailer and check out the prepaid phones. All you do is buy the phone and pay for the minutes you use. To go out and get a contract would cost you at least $20 a month. Or you can get a prepaid card through what ever company. When you choose your cell phone it will say what company the phone is with or you could ask the sales person that is helping you and they will tell you.
Your best bet for prepaid cell phones in Japan would be the airport. There’s almost certainly somewhere there to buy a prepaid cell phone.
I’m having a hard time coming up with links to other prepaid phone sites that aren’t entirely in Japanese, but there should be plenty of places that sell them. However, you will likely need an alien registration card and your passport before you are allowed to buy one.
If you don’t have an alien registration card, you might not be able to get one. If you are outside of Japan (which I doubt, since I think you just sent me another question), you can often purchase prepaid cell phones for use in Japan prior to your departure.
You usually have to find a store that is owned by one of the big phone companies in Japan to be able to get a phone that only works there. But most times you should be able to get a phone for Japan in the airport.
Tags: Invoices, Money, Pre Paid
Posted in Cell Phones | No Comments »
June 5th, 2010
muellerduran recently asked:
People with bad credit or poor credit are often face difficulties in obtaining a credit card. The fact is indeed true that their choices are limited when it comes to credit cards but, credit card issuers are increasingly offering financial products that specially cater to bad credit people.
Bad credit problem can be caused due to a number of situations. The credit card choices available to bad credit people allow them to rebuild their credit history. Financial products that help bad credit people are prepaid credit cards or debit cards, secured bad credit cards, unsecured bad credit cards. In this article we take a look at each one of them.
Prepaid or debit cards:
These are the easiest option available for bad credit people. There are no verifications, no credit checks, no employment requirements, and the approval is instant. All they have to do is to deposit a money and a prepaid card is issued. This card has the borrowing or buying capacity equivalent to the funds deposited. The good thing with prepaid credit card is that it promotes financial discipline. Some prepaid card issuers report to various credit rating agencies, thus it helps in rebuilding your credit history.
Secured bad credit credit cards
These credit cards are issued to bad credit people who can offer a collateral. Generally, offered to homeowners, secured bad credit cards help one rebuild his credit history. The interest rates and borrowing limits on these credit cards are good and favorable for bad credit people. Secured credit cards can also be linked to a savings account in which case it will have a credit limit of some percentage of your savings or money in your account. As the credit card issuer gains confidence with you it can increase your credit limit. Again, if you control your finances and spending, repay on time and do not default your credit history will improve.
Unsecured bad credit credit cards
These credit cards have high fees, which makes them a costly proposition to own. But, the bad credit people have limited choices. If a person with bad credit doesn’t have anything to offer as collateral or is unable to buy a prepaid or debit card. This is the only option that remains. However, on a positive note, this unsecured bad credit credit card offers the person a chance to rebuild his credit history.
So, the options are there for bad credit people to have a credit card. But if they don’t learn lessons from their existing situation and do not improve things will get worse with time and become uncontrollable.
Tags: Credit Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Financial Discipline
Posted in Credit | No Comments »
May 18th, 2010
Euro Calling Cards recently asked:
Calling cards have really changed the way one communicates. The ease and the convenience these calling cards provide have made it so famous that we have forgotten to use the coins to make calls. These prepaid calling cards came into existence only to replace the usage of coins while making calls.
Is it easy and comfortable to carry hundred of coins in your pocket or purse in order to make calls anytime and anywhere? Prepaid calling cards possess about hundred of dollars worth of prepaid calling credits. Prepaid calling cards are paper like structure which you can put in any pocket or purse.
Different prepaid calling cards possess different features that can be very useful and helpful to different people. There are so many prepaid calling cards providers. But, there are no two prepaid calling cards that are the same, each prepaid calling card differ. Differ in the calling rates they offer, differ in the features they offer and more over they also differ in the service charges they charge. And one needs to check all these before choosing the right one that suits your needs.
If you truly want to find the right calling card, you have to do a bit of research and judge yourself. You can compare at least few of the prepaid calling cards available in order to find the one that has the right rates, services and features that you want and would like to use.
The basic feature of prepaid calling cards is that you can use it anytime, anywhere, and with the use of any phone. So if you need to make a call immediately, you can use your prepaid calling card with any regular phone.
Some prepaid calling cards possess charges and fees, so you need to check these out before purchasing any card. Check for all the hidden charges they charge.
Also, you need to be aware of the provider’s terms and conditions. So, make it a point that you read all the terms carefully and understand it.
The best way is send an email or call the support number and directly ask for all the queries you have before purchasing the calling card. Ask all the information you want and depending on the response you can choose the calling card.
Observation, research and gather information are the basic simple steps which are very important in order to purchase the right prepaid calling card.
Tags: Coins, Prepaid Calling Cards, Prepaid Card
Posted in Travel Tips | No Comments »
May 17th, 2010
Clint Jhonson recently asked:
The Prepaid Credit Cards are becoming more and more popular among the people all over the world. These cards can prevent people from suffering from serious debts that can even endanger their financial situations for good. Some popular advantages of these credit cards include ease of availability, convenience and guaranteed approval. So, these cards are to be regarded as a sort of ideal replacement of various and regular credit cards.
These are some of the advantages provided by the Prepaid Credit Cards: for instance, every person can be eligible for obtaining these types of cards. Even if you have a bad credit history, you are eligible for the Prepaid Credit Cards. You will not need an income proof or credit checks. The Prepaid Credit Card comes along with no employment verification. Approval will always be guaranteed especially if you fill in an online application for obtaining these credit cards. The prepaid credit is obtained thanks to the amount of money deposited in the account.
You will not have to worry about future increasing debts, associated penalties and late payment fees. All the Prepaid Credit Cards will operate in a quite similar way to the traditional debit cards. Still, they are different from the debit cards because they cannot offer you the credit facilities. So, you will be able to spend the exact amount of money that you have deposited in the account. This type of cards is widely accepted; merchant locations all over the world are going to accept your prepaid cards and they can also be used on the phone or internet.
Even the risk of constant overspending can be avoided for good; the prepaid cards are especially designed in order to increase your financial discipline. They can also help you build some good financial habits. These cards are also protected by the well known PIN number. This number secures them in order for your identity not to be stolen. Every transaction made of this type of card can be tracked down in no time; you can track every transaction that is using your card by phone or online.
The prepaid credit reports can be very useful when trying to improve the credit history of every borrower. There are plenty of major companies that are highly interested in offering special rewards and incentives to each of their customers for referrals. Still, there are many benefits that come along with the constant use of the prepaid credit card; the prepaid card can be used by almost every person because you do not need a perfect credit history in order to obtain such a credit card. These cards are also easy to carry; they are convenient too and you will be spared of carrying cash on you.
With every prepaid card, you can cancel every illegal transaction. Every type of fraudulent transactions can be cancelled in order not to loose your money. Another benefit that comes along with the prepaid card is the internet; for instance, whenever you are planning to buy items online, you can use this type of card. Shopping online and getting approved has never been so easy and you will have the opportunity to buy everything you need or want. All the prepaid cards can be used globally. These cards are accepted almost at every location where the traditional cards are accepted.
If you are a parent and you want to keep track of all your child’s expenses, you can use the prepaid card in order to get all the information you need. The constant spending can be monitored thanks to this credit card that is reliable enough in order for you to use it at any location without any risks or conditions involved. Actually, the prepaid card is changing the way you spend your money on a daily basis.
The Prepaid Credit Card is to be used regardless of your credit history because it can offer you the total control over your future spending. The spending limits can be established in the case of every prepaid card you get; you will be able to establish these limits by yourself. The prepaid card should become an important part of your life. Having an already established credit can make the difference for your future spending. This prepaid card can also help you to build all the necessary credits you need without exposing you to any risks of falling into severe debts.
Tags: Convenience, Income Proof, People Cards
Posted in Credit | No Comments »
May 17th, 2010
Prepaid101 recently asked:
With the popularity of credit and debit card use, those without are finding it difficult to function in a society that has become increasingly dependent on electronic forms of payment. These people are likely among the estimated 40 million people in the United States without banking accounts, referred to as the unbanked. Fortunately, there is an alternative for these millions of people needing a way to take care of their financial responsibilities. That alternative is prepaid cards.
Prepaid cards may often be referred to as prepaid credit cards or prepaid debit cards. Whichever term you prefer, they are all referring to the same electronic payment card. These cards have become popular among consumers who don’t have a credit card or checking account because many similar benefits are offered.
Prepaid cards are used like a credit and debit card to purchase goods or services by phone, internet or in-person. For in-person purchases, cardholders have two payment options, credit or debit; debit requires a PIN code and credit requires your signature and ID. They can also be used to withdraw cash from ATM machines and select merchants.
Just like a checking account, deposited money is kept safe in a FDIC insured account. When money is added to the account, the prepaid card represents balance available in the account. This differs from a credit card because cardholders can only spend money they add to their account; no credit is issued, which means no interest rates. This can be useful to those who have a problem spending money they don’t have.
One of the reasons people are turning to prepaid cards over debit and credit cards is the ease of getting a card. Credit or bank history reports are checked as part of the application process for credit and debit cards, making it difficult to obtain an account if any negatives show up on the report. With a prepaid card, an applicant can obtain a card without having their credit or bank history checked.
Before prepaid cards, consumers had no other choice than to use check cashing centers to handle their financial needs, such as paying bills and cashing checks. Although these services provide a useful service to people, they also create a lot of drawbacks. Customers are often left waiting in long lines and paying high check cashing fees, which can reach up to 5% of the check amount. Not to mention, customers are often forced to carry around large amounts of money because most check cashing centers only deal in cash.
With a prepaid card, consumers can do just about everything they would be able to at a check casher, and more. Prepaid cards are usually more convenient to use and less expensive too.
Instead of waiting in line at a check casher, cardholders can have their payroll or other income checks directly deposited into their account, usually free of charge. Also, nearly all prepaid cards offer online access, allowing cardholders to pay their bills and check their account activity over the internet.
The best ways to find the prepaid card that’s right for you is to research and compare different cards. Many comparison websites, such as www.prepaid101.com, will help you compare prepaid cards by providing useful information on a variety of different prepaid cards.
If you are seeking an alternative to traditional plastic payment cards, such as ATM cards or credit cards, a prepaid card may be the right choice for you. They are just as secure as using a credit card and easier to open than a checking account.
Tags: Electronic Forms, Fdic Insured Account, Prepaid Card
Posted in Credit | No Comments »
May 14th, 2010
muellerduran recently asked:
Prepaid credit cards are becoming increasingly popular amongst consumer to improve financial discipline and credit history. Though, a prepaid card doesn’t come a with late penalty because there are no repayments to be made, but there are various other fees associated with them, which increase the ownership costs. Having a good knowledge about these fees helps the consumer make an informed decision. Listed below are some important fees levied on prepaid cards.
Annual Fees
Charged by the prepaid card issuing company for usage of the prepaid card on an annual basis.
Monthly fees
Charge by the prepaid card issuing company for usage of the prepaid card on monthly basis.
Customer Service fees
Charged by the prepaid card company for providing initial customer service to issue the prepaid card.
Activation Fees
This fees is charged by the prepaid card issuing company for activating the prepaid card
Fees per purchase
Every purchase done by your prepaid card can attract a fee per purchase. Some prepaid card companies levy this fees to increase their revenue.
ATM Cash withdrawal fees
Whenever you withdraw money from ATM’s prepaid card company slaps ATM cash withdrawal fees to your account.
Inactivity fees
This fees is charged when your prepaid card is not used for a specified period of time.
Now, you have an idea of the most important fees associated with prepaid cards. To use this information you can compare various prepaid cards and fees associated with them. Comparing this way, you will be able to lower your total ownership cost of prepaid cards.
Tags: Knowledge, Prepaid Card, Repayments
Posted in Credit | No Comments »
May 6th, 2010
Nicholas Hunt recently asked:
Paying with plastic has become a common part of everyday life, with more people now using credit or debit cards than cash for day to day purchases. The rapid rise of online shopping means that it’s almost essential to have some way of paying by card, but people with poor credit ratings have always struggled to get approved for credit cards. It’s not impossible though, and there are ways for people with even the most impaired credit histories to enjoy the convenience of plastic.
People with mild credit problems or low incomes will probably not be approved for the most heavily advertised credit cards with the most attractive offers, but many companies operate a policy known as Risk Based Pricing. This basically means that their cards will offer a different interest rate depending on the credit score of the applicant. If your credit rating isn’t good enough to be accepted for the card you apply for, you may be offered a different card with similar features but a higher interest rate.
Risk based pricing is a great way for people with some adverse credit history to get a card, but people with more severe problems will need to look elsewhere. Several companies offer a card specifically aimed at people with poor or no credit history, and market them as a ‘first’ or ’starter’ card. The idea is to offer a card with a low credit limit and a comparatively high interest rate, as a way of allowing people to being to develop some positive history on their files.
While these cards are poor value in comparison to more mainstream offers, the acceptance rate is very high and by opening an account and keeping up with your repayments, your credit rating will slowly be improved to the point where you may be able to apply for a cheaper card further down the line.
People with more severe credit problems such as bad debt or a previous bankruptcy may find that even these starter cards are out of their reach, which leaves only one real option : prepaid cards. These cards, also known as secured cards, are not in fact credit cards at all as they need to be ‘loaded’ with funds before you can use them to spend.
After you’ve credited money to your account, the card can be used like any other Mastercard or Visa, with the important difference that you can only spend money that you have in your account - you can’t build up a debt. This means that there is very little risk for the card issuer, and so acceptance is virtually guaranteed. The flipside is that the issuer doesn’t earn money by charging interest on your balance, and so they instead impose a variety of different charges on the cardholder ranging from a small percentage of everything you spend using the card to a monthly or yearly administration fee. You may also be charged a considerable sum for even applying for the card, so shop around and check the small print carefully before signing up.
To sum up, no one would deny that a bad credit rating makes it harder to get a credit card or other plastic payment solution, but with a little searching, there are cards of some kind available for nearly everyone.
Tags: Credit Cards, Credit Histories, Interest Rate Risk
Posted in Credit | No Comments »
May 4th, 2010
natisha recently asked:
Various telecom companies have now made it easier for their valued customers to stay connected with each other. For those who perpetually have a cash crunch, the prepaid calling cards are an excellent solution. It allows one to talk and also keep a good leash on talk time. With fiber optic connectivity and good signals prepaid cards have helped love to blossom, business deals to be sealed, mothers safe in the knowledge where children are and also friendships remain glued.
Prepaid calling cards can be used from home, payphones and hotels. The cards can be purchased online depending in which countries the calls will be made. Online advance payments are secure and convenient too. Every calling card has a personal identification number (PIN) on basis of which an individual can make calls. This is a necessary step to secure and also ensure that this number shall not be sued by anyone else. Incase of theft the number can be barred by informing the telecom service provider. There are other tips also that the company offers to make the most use of the calling cards. This also includes how to interpret long silences, connectivity problems, payment, talk time plans etc. All calling devices do not support international calls. Prepaid calling cards have low offers for calls and each call charge can be traced. Domestic and international calls are available at cheap rates. Many telecom companies offer prepaid calling cards through their websites. They are available worldwide online with secure payment options.
Tags: Cash Crunch, Prepaid Calling Cards, Telecom Service Provider
Posted in Business | No Comments »
May 1st, 2010
Lisa Nichols recently asked:
Using a prepaid credit card can help build a superior credit history. Prepaid credit cards provide people with a poor credit history or no credit history a chance to improve their credit score. Prepaid credit cards look like a major credit card, often a Visa or a MasterCard, but they act like a traditional debit card from a bank or credit union checking account. Prepaid credit cards, when used responsibly, can help build a solid credit history.
Build a Credit History with a Prepaid Credit Card
Some prepaid credit cards report account activity to the credit bureaus, which can help customers quickly build their credit history. Account information that influences a credit report might include timely payments of fees. It’s important to note that not all prepaid credit card companies provide account information to the credit reporting agencies. A prepaid card that reports to the credit bureaus, when used sensibly, can help build an excellent credit history.
Improve Credit Scores with Prepaid Credit Cards
Improve credit scores with prepaid credit cards. Credit scores are frequently updated based on information received from reporting companies. Following the terms and conditions of a prepaid credit card can help improve a credit history. If you have poor credit or no credit history, a prepaid credit card can help you get on the path to better credit. It can be emotionally stressful to be turned down for a credit card. Owning a prepaid credit card can help ease the pain and make shopping online and in person quicker and easier while improving a credit score.
Compare Prepaid Credit Cards Before You Apply
Before you apply for a prepaid credit card, read consumer reviews for credit cards. You can also compare prepaid credit cards online to get a better idea of what you’ll be getting before you apply. As with any credit card, there are unscrupulous companies that may try to con you when you apply for prepaid credit cards. Take the time to read consumer reviews and compare prepaid credit cards and avoid the hassle.
Tags: Debit Card, Prepaid Credit Card, Reporting Companies
Posted in Finance | No Comments »
April 10th, 2010
muellerduran recently asked:
Prepaid cards give you tremendous flexibility and worldwide acceptance. With the financial discipline they promote, prepaid cards have become a popular tool to improve credit history. In this article we take a look at the benefits and fees associated with All Access® Prepaid Visa® Card.
The All Access® Prepaid Visa® Card gives you the simplicity and the convenience you need to manage your finances. All Access is more than just a card - it’s a full service account that takes care of all of your financial needs in just one place.
Benefits
100% Approved - no credit check and bad credit is okay.
$10,000 Load Capacity - reloadable at retailers nationwide.
No Upfront Payment - and no minimum balance requirements.
FREE Savings Accounts - higher rate than most national banks.
FREE Instant Transfers - send money to other cardholders.
FREE Account Alerts - email or text messages on account activity.
FREE Direct Deposit - make payday faster and safer.
Online Bill Pay - pay bills to anyone at any time, online.
Extra Cards - on the same account for family members or yourself.
Fees associated with All Access® Prepaid Visa® Card
Annual Fee: $0
Cash Advance Fee: $2.00 for U.S. ATM transactions; $4.95 for international ATM
Minimum Deposit: $10
Application Fee: $9.95
Participation Fee: ($9.95 monthly) or optionally pay per transaction
Reload Fee: $0 for direct deposits or PayPal transfers, $4.95 for ACH or credit or debit card transfers; In person retail cash load fees vary by merchant location.
Inactive Fee: $5.95
The fees and benefits associated with All Access® Prepaid Visa® Card are totally at the discretion of issuing company and can change without notice. It is advised to read the terms and conditions carefully from the All Access® Prepaid Visa® Card website while making an application, to get the latest details about the offer.
Tags: Cash Advance Fee, Issuing Company, Merchant Location
Posted in Credit | No Comments »