Tag Archives: purchases
Why Apply for a Loan?
There are many reasons why consumers take out loans. Two of the most common types of loans used by most consumers at some point during their lives are homeowner loans and motor loans. Mortgages are required by most home buyers who need financing to help cover the costs of purchasing property. Some existing homeowners also rely on their property to secure second charges for various purposes. Most car buyers also obtain lender financing to help cover the costs of the vehicle purchase.
While property purchases are among the more common loans types, borrowers rely on financing or credit various reasons. Some borrowers use personal loans, or the second charges mentioned, to consolidate debt created by other loans, renovate or upgrade property, go on a vacation, make a large purchase, or other important needs. Loans that are secured by property usually come with more favorable rates and terms because they pose less risk to the creditor. This is why secured loans are popular for consolidating debt from higher rate loan and credit balances.
Another type of loan used by some budget-oriented consumers is pay day loans. These are loans that are awarded in advance of a pay period. They are used by consumers who rely on paycheck income to cover basic expense requirements. Some borrowers use these loans to cover financial needs in advance of a pay period. These loans are often secured by personal property, such as a vehicle. They are generally short term loans.
Along with the aforementioned loans, many consumers regularly shop with credit cards. Credit cards are commonly used to cover basic purchases using a ‘Buy now, pay later’ mentality. They are useful at times to cover important purchases, by consumers are often irresponsible with credit cards.
The key with any type of loan is to only take out an amount that is needed and no more. Some consumers do not fully understand the risk posed by taking on debt. Taking on too much in loan debt can create significant financial burdens for consumers. Not meeting monthly debt obligations can lead to a poor credit score, which ultimately makes it more difficult to acquire a loan when it is needed for an important home or auto purchase, or even insolvency and foreclosure in extreme cases. Consumers need to take out loans responsibly, when it makes financial sense to do so. Taking out a loan for discretionary spending or non-essential purchases is generally not advised.
The Lowdown on Citi Student Credit Card
Most credit cards would make it a prerequisite for applicants to have a credit history before their application can be approved. With this, students may find their choices of credit cards rather limited. However, the Citi Platinum Select Card for College Students is designed specially to meet the needs of students.
There are no annual fees incurred for this card, although the APR is higher than most other credit cards. Furthermore, the APR is based on a variable rate with the figure tied to the Prime Rate. Nonetheless, there is always the 6-months 0% APR (for balance transfers, cash advances and purchases) and a cashback reward program to fall back on.
Apart from that, the cash rebate program rewards students with up to 5% of the amount spent on purchases charged to the card. Purchases made with the Citi Student credit card at supermarkets, drugstores and participating merchant partners are eligible for a 5% cash return. Nevertheless, lower cash rebates of 1% are applicable for cash advances and check transactions.
The downside to this is that cash rebates will be issued through $50 checks with rebates for general purchases limited to $300 a year. Other attributes of the card include a 20-day interest-free grace period each month, and a minimum credit limit of $500.
Interest charges are calculated based on an average daily balance method but as always, it may not be advisable for consumers to make late payments. Accounts can be managed online and customers are given the choice to pay their bills automatically. As a safety feature, the Citi Student credit card provides an option for the card holders photo to be printed on the card to prevent identity theft occurrences. Ultimately, this card serves as their stepping stone for students towards building a strong credit history, which is vital for their future financial dealings. Concurrently, this would also be a great card to instill spending habits discipline in young adults.