Pre-approved credit cards allow you to get a credit card quickly and with a guaranteed approval. The best pre-approved credit card offers are often found online. Online credit card affiliate companies are able to use the information on your credit report to find offers that find your individual needs. These companies search thousands of credit card offers to get you the best rate, features, limit, etc.

What are pre-approved credit cards?

Credit card companies take the information on your credit history to evaluate risk. If you have bad credit or a bankruptcy, you probably won’t be approved for a high limit. However, you can still be approved for a credit card. Credit cards are an excellent way to rebuild your credit.

Credit card companies take many things into consideration before offering you a pre-approved credit card. These include, but are not limited to:

• Your debt to income ratio

• The current balance of existing credit cards

• Similar credit cards that you already use

• Certain requirements for credit card approval

• Your past credit history

• The possibility of you reacting to the pre-approved credit card offer

How does the pre-approval process work?

Often times, credit card companies ask the credit bureaus for a list of customers who met certain qualifications. You might also see an inquiry on your credit report marked as “promotional.” This means that your report was checked against a “pre-approval” list. This type of inquiry does not affect your FICO score and cannot be seen by other creditors.

If you decide to apply for the pre-approved credit card, your application is sent to a processing center. Here, your current credit report is checked to make sure that nothing new and alarming shows up. It is this credit check that is used to determine whether or not you have been approved. All it takes is a few minor changes in your current credit card balance, income information, etc.

Pre-approved credit cards take the hassle out of shopping for a credit card, especially when you use offers online. You can be sure to get the best interest rate, credit card features, rewards programs, etc.You can also choose to opt out of pre-approved credit card offer by visiting www.optoutprescreen.com and filling out the appropriate information.

Do you have bad credit or no credit at all? Do you still need a credit card to help improve your credit report? Don’t worry. There are several companies that offer credit cards to people with less than perfect credit. If you don’t have perfect credit, but need a credit card, check these out.

1. Orchard Bank Classic MasterCard. If you are notorious for making late payments, this is the card for you. You can get emails and text messages to remind you about upcoming payments. Transactions are also updated so you can keep track of your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

2. Tribute Gold MasterCard. Designed for people with bad credit. You’ll pay a slightly higher interest rate, but this card will help you get back on track. You’ll also be approved in a matter of minutes.

3. Vision Premier Prepaid Visa. Do you think that there is no way you can get a credit card with a credit report like yours? Get this card if you are worried. There is no credit check or bank account needed with this card. The prepaid credit card is the perfect way to give you good credit card habits before getting a different card.

4. Applied Bank Secured Visa. This card has it all. You’ll get a rate of 9.99% APR. Guess what? The rate won’t even change if your late on a payment. You get to choose your credit limit up to $5,000, with a minimum deposit of $200. There is no credit requirement. It gets even better…this card reports to the credit bureaus. This card is perfect for helping you build your credit.

5. Access Visa. You’ll get a quick decision when applying for this card. If you have bad credit or no credit, you need to give this card a try. It also reports to the credit bureaus.

It isn’t a problem to have bad credit or no credit anymore. Lenders are becoming more willing to lend to people just like you. These cards are designed to help you get back on your feet. Give these cards a try and see your credit improve.

Now Capital One and Orbitz have more in common than just silly commercials. The two companies have partnered up to offer credit card holders the opportunity to earn incentives towards free flights, merchandise and cash rewards. The Capital One Orbitz credit cards let cardholders earn points on every purchase they make with additional points available on all eligible Orbitz.com travel, hotel and vacation purchases. Capital One has a credit card available for those with an excellent, good or average credit history. See below for details and to apply online.

Capital One® Orbitz® Visa® Signature

Capital One® Orbitz® Visa® Platinum – Good Credit

Capital One® Orbitz® Visa® Platinum

There is a Capital One Orbitz credit card for just about everyone. Earn points with no restrictions or limits on the amount you can earn. Get ready for more with Capital One and Orbitz.

Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY)

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights in a vote of 312 to 112. The passed legislation would limit surprise interest rate increases and fees charged to credit card holders. The bill faces an uncertain fate in the Senate amid the current credit crisis and Congress’ debate whether or not to move forward with the current $700 billion bailout.

“For too long card issuers have been allowed to do whatever they want for any reason,” said New York Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY). “No other industry is allowed to raise the price of a product after a consumer has bought it.” Representative Maloney is the bill’s sponsor and has received praise from several consumer groups for the bill.

The Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights would prevent banks from retroactively increasing interest rates on credit card balances unless the account is more than 30 days past due. Banks would also be required to notify customers of interest rate increases 45 days prior to a rate increase. Cardholders would also have more time to pay their bill by receiving it 25 days before the due date versus the current 14 days. Mailing a payment 7 days before the due date would be considered “paid on-time” despite processing delays or other arbitrary times; helping consumers avoid late fees of up to $40. The bill also requires banks to apply payments towards balances proportionately, preventing banks from applying payments to lower interest rate balances first.

Banks oppose the bill citing that the legislation could limit their revenue from credit cards when institutions are already struggling from the lack of available capital brought on by the housing slump. The White House and House Republicans also oppose the bill, believing the new bill will restrict access to credit for many consumers and make credit more expensive due to a bank’s inability to adjust for risk and market conditions. The White House says it is concerned about unfair and deceptive practices, but said regulations are better suited to address problems than legislation.

The Federal Reserve typically handles unfair and deceptive consumer practices and has sought input from citizens on the matter this year. Credit card issuers could still face additional restrictions from the Federal Reserve by the end of this year. Among the largest credit card issuers are Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citigroup and Discover Card.

Credit cards can be a good thing if you know how to use one. These are ways that credit cards can make your life better:

1. Accumulate reward points for free merchandise. Get a reward credit card and get free stuff. Each time you use your credit card, you’ll accumulate points that can be redeemed for discounts on gas, movie tickets, restaurant gift cards, and more.
2. Buy now, pay later. Credit cards give you the option to make a purchase now and pay for it later. This is a great benefit, especially for emergencies or help with cash flow.
3. Accepted virtually everywhere. Credit cards are generally accepted everywhere. This is great when you are running low on cash.
4. Easy to carry. A credit card takes up less room than a wad of cash does.
5. Online shopping. Pretty much the only way to buy things online is by using a credit card. Your credit card comes in handy if you do a lot of online shopping.
6. Build credit. Using your credit card wisely is one of the best ways to build your credit. This will show lenders how responsible you are and make them more willing to loan you money.
7. Teach responsibility. Credit cards can teach you responsibility because you have to account for each purchase you make in order to stay out of debt.
8. Teach money management. Credit cards are a great way to teach you how to handle your money. You have to carefully budget your money and your purchases.
9. Variety of payment options. Many times, you can chose different payment options. You have the flexibility to chose your due date and payment amount.
10. Online monthly statements. Most credit card companies offer an online program where you can view your credit card activity. This helps manage credit card purchases tremendously.
11. Not having to carry cash. Isn’t it a pain and a hassle to carry cash all of the time? Credit cards make it so easy to swipe and sign.
12. Good Customer service (most of the time). You can’t call a customer service department if you have a question about the cash you carry. You can, however, call in regards to your credit cards and credit account.
13. Earn cash back. You can earn cash back through a percentage of your purchases. This is a great way to combat rising inflation too.
14. Give you a buffer until payday. Credit cards help get you through until payday, especially when unexpected circumstances arise.
15. Tool for tracking your expenses. It is so easy to track expenses and purchases now with different tools that the credit card companies offer. Most companies have an online tracking system. Many also offer a year-end statement that categorizes all of your purchases from the entire year.

These are just a few of the ways that credit cards can make your life better. Credit cards can be an unmatched tool that can assist you on your quest for financial freedom.

Credit cards can be a good thing if you know how to use one.  These are ways that credit cards can make your life better:

1. Accumulate reward points for free merchandise.  Get a reward credit card and get free stuff.  Each time you use your credit card, you’ll accumulate points that can be redeemed for discounts on gas, movie tickets, restaurant gift cards, and more.

2. Buy Now, Pay Later.  Credit cards give you the option to make a purchase now and pay for it later.  This is a great benefit, especially for emergencies.

3. Accepted virtually everywhere.  Credit cards are generally accepted everywhere. This is great when you are running low on cash.

4. Easy to carry.  A credit card takes up less room than a wad of cash does.

5. Online shopping.  Pretty much the only way to buy things online is by using a credit card.  Your credit card comes in handy if you do a lot of online shopping and many offer a virtual credit card number to help protect your identity.

6. Build credit.  Using your credit card wisely is one of the best ways to build your credit.  This will show lenders how responsible you are and make them more willing to loan you money.

7. Teach responsibility.  Credit cards can teach you responsibility because you have to account for each purchase you make in order to stay out of debt.

8. Teach money management.  Credit cards are a great way to teach you how to handle your money.  You have to carefully budget your money and your purchases.

9. Variety of payment options.  Many times, you can chose different payment options.  You have the flexibility to chose your due date and payment amount.

10. Online monthly statements.  Most credit card companies offer an online program where you can view your credit card activity.  This helps manage credit card purchases tremendously.

11. Not having to carry cash.  Isn’t it a pain and a hassle to carry cash all of the time?  Credit cards make it so easy to swipe and sign.

12. Good customer service (most of the time).  You can’t call a customer service department if you have a question about the cash you carry.  You can, however, call in regards to your credit cards and credit account.

13. Earn cash back.  You can earn cash back through a percentage of your purchases.  This is a great way to combat rising inflation too.

14. Give you a buffer until payday.  Credit cards help get you through until payday, especially when unexpected circumstances arise.

15. Tool for tracking your expense.  It is so easy to track expenses and purchases now with different tools that the credit card companies offer.  Most companies have an online tracking system.  Many also offer a year-end statement that categorizes all of your purchases from the entire year.

These are just a few of the ways that credit cards can make your life better.  Credit cards can be an unmatched tool that can assist you on your quest for financial freedom.