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The Disadvantages of RFID Credit Cards
RFID credit cards are taking the nation. Also known as Radio Frequency Identification, RFID for short, these cards allow you to make purchases with your credit card without even having to type in a pin number, swipe your card through a reader, or even sign for the sale. Instead, a coil radio transmitter insider your cardimagine how small it must be!sends out a tagged radio signature, that then gets transformed by the way you move your finger over the card.
In essence, your personal way of “swiping” your card with your finger gives the signal a distinct “shape” that acts like an electronic fingerprint. In theory, no one else could have this electronic fingerprint. Its not so much theory anymore. Some credit card companies are already experimenting with RFID technology. You can use them at gas stations, convenience stores, maybe even vending machines.
But is this technology as secure as all the experts say it is? It may be, but the thought of not signing for your purchase may make you have the heebie-jeebies. Also, usually with regular credit cards, the cashier is supposed to look at your card and compare signatures, to make sure you are you, each and every time you make a purchase. With RFID cards, you forgo this extra step of security.
Another issue with RFID cards, and one you wont hear the credit card companies make, is that RFID cards make it possible to too easily to spend and drive up your debt. If all a person has to do is wave their card at the fast food restaurant, to get gas, to buy that expensive new flat-screen televisions set, then chances are they may start waving their card more and more. In the long run, that will make a ton more money for the credit card companies. But for the buyer, that could mean a long lifetime of living in debt.
Another potential issue with RFID technology is that it could be the next wave of the future for everything from passports to security to get into buildings. It could be used possibly to even track your movements throughout the day, the week, and the year. Just imagineyour car, every building that you enter into, your house, your workall of them have RFID security technology. That makes for a chance for Big Brother to keep an eye on you. A scary thought, and pretty far-fetched, yes, but a possible reality none the less thanks to RFID.
5 Ways to Apply for Instant Credit Card Approval
If youre shopping on the Internet, chances are good that you will be using a credit card to do so. Credit cards are easier and even safer than checks are cash transactions. But if you dont already have a credit card, is there a way to get credit instantly?
1. Go to a large retailer
When youre shopping online, you will generally receive offers for credit cards if you make a purchase with a larger retailer. In some cases, this will be a card that you can use on their site or at their local shops. With a good credit rating, you can even get a percentage off your total order or free shipping as an enticement.
However, you will have to wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail.
2. Just when youre online shopping
And also at larger retailers, you can instantly apply for major credit cards (Visa and Mastercard are the largest) when you complete a purchase. Again, these can allow you to receive discounts on your purchase.
3. Through payment sites
When youre using PayPal or other merchant online payers, you can also apply for credit cards instantly. These can come with benefits like lower fees on transactions through their site as well as cash back on purchases that are made on the card.
4. At a store
And if youre shopping in person, you can also apply for a credit card instantly by merely filling out a form and waiting to be approved. This only takes minutes and can save you money on your order during that visit and usually at the visit that follows. Some stores even offer gift cards after purchases total a certain amount.
5. How to be approved instantly
But the fact of the matter is that you cant get instant credit card approval if you dont already have good credit. This means that you will need to show another major credit card as well as undergo a credit screening. This not only shows your history of paying bills but also how many other credit cards you have. It will also determine how high of a limit you will receive on that card.
Almost anyone can get instant credit card approval for almost any purchase online or in a physical store. All you have to do is apply and have a good credit report to back you up.