Starwood Amex: 30,000 Points Bonus is Back

For a limited time, the Starwood American Express is offering up to 30,000 bonus Starpoints as a signup bonus — enough for 3 free nights at a Category 4 hotel (or 10-15 nights at a Category 1 hotel). You’ll earn 10,000 bonus Starpoints after your first purchase and another 20,000 bonus Starpoints after spending at least $4,500 in your first 3 months of cardmembership. In addition, the annual fee of $65 will be waived for the first year.

Even without its generous signup bonus, however, the SPG Amex is one of my favorite travel credit cards. What makes it so great? Read this detailed SPG Amex review explaining why I love the card (as well as why the card isn’t for everyone).

To apply, see these links:

• SPG Amex Application – Personal Version
• SPG Amex Application – Business Version

This 30k bonus Starpoints offer expires August 22, 2011.

Note #1: If you click through to the application and don’t see the 30k Starpoints offer, you may need to clear your cookies, then try again.

Note #2: If you’re applying for a new Starwood Amex, don’t include any additional cardmembers as part of your application. Instead, apply and get the card first, then use this link to add additional users. It will allow you to earn 1,000 additional Starpoints when you add an Additional Cardmember to your account and they spend $150 in the first 3 months (up to 2 additional cardmembers).

Note #3: For a limited time, Amex is also running a referral program for this same 30k offer. If you know someone who already has an SPG card, you can ask them if they received a referral offer. If they did, they can send you a link for this 30k offer and if you sign up under their link, they will receive 5k Starpoints as well.

Tips for managing your credit cards

The Beginning of the Credit Card Era

In 1951, Diners Club issued the very first credit card to 200 customers who could use it at a selection of twenty seven restaurants in New York City. From that modest beginning, credit cards have grown to become an indispensable part of modern life.

It can be difficult to wade through the masses of credit card offers you may receive, especially when low interest credit cards and rewards cards catch your eye. From business credit cards to personal and student cards, do some research before you sign up.

Nowadays consumers rely on their credit cards to help them achieve their lifestyle goals by letting them take advantage of special bargains, spread payments out over several months, and provide cash in emergencies. Credit cards have become so widespread that they are often accepted as a piece of primary identification.

Identity fraud has reached epidemic proportions and it is wise to educate yourself about the threats. Fill out a LifeLock signup form and take that extra step in protecting yourself from identity theft.

Getting the most from your credit cards involves four main steps:

• Use your credit cards wisely.
• Protect yourself against fraud.
• Review your credit history regularly
• Get the right card for your needs.

Use your credit cards wisely

Follow these simple tips to get the most from your card.

Tips:-

Pay your credit card bills on time. This is the single most important thing you can do to preserve and enhance your credit rating. Always pay at least your minimum payment and allow time for your payment to reach the company if you are using the mail.

If possible, pay off your balance in full each month. If this is not possible, then make as large a payment as you can comfortably afford. Paying off or paying down your balance is a sound financial move—one that will save you money on interest charges.

If you can’t pay off your balance in full, then slow down on your credit card use for the next while. Take time to step back and have a careful look at how much you earn and how much you spend each month. A little budgeting can save you big money down the road.

Check your statement carefully each month. Review your statement carefully. Do all the charges look correct? Have any required credits been applied? Are there any unusual or unexpected charges? Your credit card company will correct legitimate errors, but only if you bring them to their attention in a timely manner before you pay your bill.

Transfer your balance to a card with a lower interest rate. If you have two or more credit cards with outstanding balances, consider moving the outstanding balances to the card with the lowest interest rate. You will save money each month and simplify your record keeping by receiving only one bill.

Negotiate for a lower rate with your credit card company. If you have a good credit history, you are a valuable asset to your credit card company. Call them and seek ways to lower your interest rate. This is often possible, but never advertised. If the interest rate you are currently paying is very high, imply you may cancel the card and go with a competitor unless they adjust your rate downward. It doesn’t hurt to ask, and you may be surprised at the results.

Protect yourself against fraud

While credit card fraud is a problem, here are a few simple steps you can take to greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

Tips:

• Sign new cards immediately. When you receive your new or replacement card in the mail, sign it, in ink, right away. If it is a replacement card, destroy the old card by cutting it into many small pieces.

• Shred old credit card receipts. You can purchase an inexpensive paper shredder at an office supply store. All old receipts with your credit card number and any unneeded documents with your social insurance number or other sensitive personal information should be shredded before disposal. This prevents the common practice of criminals going through the trash to find receipts and stealing your identity. If you don't have a personal shredder, choose a trusted document shredder service to destroy credit card receipts.

• Never fax your credit card number. Your credit card number can lie for hours in the fax basket at the other end. Anyone passing by can record your number and begin to use your card number fraudulently. It is even possible for criminals to intercept your credit card number while the fax is in transmission.

• Use caution when giving your credit card number out on the phone or on the Internet. Only give out your credit card number on telephone calls you initiate to business or organizations you trust. Never give your number out to callers who call unannounced, no matter how legitimate the call sounds.

• On the Internet, look for an Internet address that begins https:\\. The “s” indicates that it is a secure connection and a small padlock symbol should appear in the bottom right hand corner of your screen, indicating it is safe to transmit your credit card number.

• Call your credit card company instantly if you suspect trouble. All credit card companies have 24 hour lost and stolen help lines. If you lose your wallet or purse or have it stolen, call without delay! Much fraud happens within the first hour or two, before the victim realizes the cards are missing. Your credit card company will block your cards from being used and stop you from being responsible for any charges thieves incur.

• Take advantage of any security features your card offers. Many newer cards have the option of including your photograph on the card. This is excellent protection and is highly recommended.
  

  Review your credit history regularly

  After you have obtained the best credit card, and are using it wisely, review your credit history on a regular basis. This helps ensure your history is accurate and that any issues have been resolved to your satisfaction.

  North America has three national credit-reporting bureaus. Your credit rating is held at one or more of these bureaus. When checking on your rating, be sure to contact all three, as your rating may be held on file at more than one bureau. The three national credit bureaus where you can check your credit report are Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union. Check the Yellow Pages, under Credit to find the numbers in your area.
  

  Get the right card

  With all the choices in cards available, chances are good,very good, you can find a better card for your needs. Today’s cards can save you money, offer better features, and even support a cause you believe in. Here are some tips on finding the right card and where to check that you have the best card for your needs.
  

  Tips:

• Be alert for companies offering a great interest rate for transferring your existing balance to their card. Usually these rates are only in effect for a short time, often six months. At the end of this time, the rate can revert to a much higher permanent rate. Keep your eye on the Annual Percentage Rate (APR); this is the figure that counts in the long run.

• Lower is better: read the fine print and find the Annual Percentage Rate (APR). This is the interest rate the companies charge you if you carry a balance. You want the lowest rate possible; as each percentage point drop will save you money on the months you have an outstanding balance.

• Nothing can be better: Try for a credit card that does not charge an annual fee. Many credit cards charge you a fee each year to use their cards. While this may be offset by other benefits the card may offer, you can find cards that do not charge this annual fee. Why pay for the privilege of using a credit card when you don’t have to?

• Explore the options: Today’s cards offer a wide range of excellent features, including frequent flier points, programs that bank points toward a new car, and cards that support charitable organizations. Other options worth having include car rental insurance coverage, trip cancellation coverage, and extended warranty coverage.

  Colin McDougall is the editor of personal finance websites.

Tips For Your First Credit Card

Now that you have decided that the time has come to move forward and obtain a credit card, and I was ready to look for one that works best for you. The first time beginning the search, you'll realize that there are large numbers of credit cards available. There are no easy formulas, no annual fees, and a variety of low annual percentage rate for companies, from those points, air miles, credit cards, identity theft and the protection of this group, maps, and much more. It is up to you to compare and choose the credit cards of them is right for you. 

How to obtain a credit card and should not do something a bit if you use the right way, and you end up with a bad credit report and drowning in debt. If you choose to be wrong, and you can not miss some of the advantages of a large, but also can be forced into more debt faster. To find the best credit card to suit your personal financial situation, select the card you want, then compare credit cards in this category. 

The first thing you have to do is to determine your spending habits. Take note of how you plan to use your credit card. You are going to charge at all times, or in cases of emergency? What are you going to your credit card in most cases? If you plan to devote most of your charges on the card, which has reward points or your money. If you plan to use your credit card to purchase the same at all times, such as gas, should be happier about the existence of credit card payment gas. Some credit cards provide a certain amount of money for purchases and cash to more cars and related expenses such as gas and maintenance. You can find sites that can help you compare credit cards to help you find the right one for you and your situation. 

If you travel at all times, and spend a lot of time on the plane, then the credit card air miles or reward system that allows you access to the cost of travel is likely to be the best for you. Provides credit cards and one or more of the air miles, or reward one or more of the points for every dollar you charge on the card. You can collect miles, points, and to rid the free flights. 

If you want to know about the payment of high interest rates on credit cards, because you maintain a balance, you need to know, because you're carrying a balance. Do you spend money you do not have what can not? If you've identified the problem as such, attention should not be cause for concern. If you want to transfer your balance to another credit card, and cards are available which offer no interest on balance transfers for the first year or more. May therefore be paid the remaining amount, even without paying interest. 

Certainly, shopping with credit card does not provide an annual fee. Most credit cards available to consumers these days is not an annual fee, but the card is a variety of great value. Search to find the best credit card that meets your needs. Not just be lazy and just any of your card. With a little more time to do some research and compare credit cards before selecting one of the best to you, will provide a lot of money and to keep the debt-free. 
Finance only one of the largest companies, as compared with loans, mortgages and insurance products and credit cards. However, the financial help you compare credit cards, choose the card you want, then compare credit cards in this category. 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rakesh_Gaikwad

The New Disney Credit Card

What if you could turn your daily purchases into some hands-on Disney magic? Well now you can! Bank One is now offering a new Visa Disney credit card that provides you and your family with Disney rewards each time you use the card. You could turn your credit card debt into a fun-filled vacation for you and your family. The credit card company, Bank One, has partnered with the Walt Disney Company to offer this family-fun card to everyone who qualifies. You will be asked to pass a standard credit check with a major credit bureau before qualifying for the Disney Visa card.

How does it work?

When you make a purchase with your Disney credit card at your local grocery store, mall, or online store, you automatically earn points, or Disney rewards. These reward points accumulate with each purchase. As you earn points, you can shop the Disney Store, Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line, the Disney catalog, or DisneyStore.com for merchandise like DVD or Disney toys, vacation packages to your favorite Disney theme park, and other featured rewards, including travel and special passes.

Pros

The Disney credit card is a great way to put your credit card debt to good use. The credit card company is essentially giving you back some of what you spend.
There are no blackout dates for vacation packages earned with your Disney reward dollars.
Platinum card benefits
No annual fee
Reasonable interest rate
No interest for six months on several travel packages
Opportunities to save on Disney merchandise and travel packages


Cons 
As you accumulate Disney rewards, you also accumulate credit card debt. Unless you are skilled at managing your finances, this type of incentive program could cause you more trouble than it’s worth.
The more you buy, the more rewards you get. But don’t forget that the more you buy, the more interest you pay as well. The credit card company isn’t offering this deal out of charity for their customers. They want to make some money.

Special features

The Disney credit card has a unique card design that will delight families: Mickey Mouse on a sparkling red background. The card can be used as a family card by any member to help contribute to future vacation plans or holiday gift times. Consider giving the card to younger members of the family as a starter card that can be used for expenses away from home. The rewards can be enjoyed by the student or by the whole family.

The reward points are much more flexible that with other reward cards. You can use the points to gain entrance to a Disney theme park, access parking privileges, purchase merchandise online or at store locations or from the catalog. You can even use the points to purchase items inside the parks. With Disney Cruise Line, your options are limitless as you use your reward points to buy cruise tickets, entertainment, and the ultimate Disney experience.
To apply for a Disney Visa card, call 1-888-878-7222.

Sandy Joblin currently runs searchcreditcardnow.com, a credit card directory where you can browse, compare and apply online for the best credit card to meet your needs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandy_Joblin

2009 WDW Free Dining for Disney VISA cardholders

Walt Disney World has announced the “Free Dining” promotion for the fifth consecutive year. Currently, the discount is only available to Disney VISA cardholders, so jump on this opportunity before it is released to the general public starting on March 30, 2009. With the “Free Dining” promotion, Disney resort guests who book a Magic Your Way package that includes both your Disney resort room and your Magic Your Way park passes, will receive the Disney Dining plan add-on for free for all guest three and older in their party.

Disney World guests will also be able to book the “Free Dining”, and upgrade to the Disney Deluxe Dining for the normal price difference, which is $31 for adults and $10 for children three to nine. The Wine and Dine option is also available at full price to add onto either the Basic or Deluxe dining plans.

Availability is extremely limited, and must be booked by June 21, 2000. To receive the Disney VISA cardholder discount, you must pay your deposit at time of booking with your Disney VISA, and you must pay the balance with your Disney VISA card as well, when due.

For more information, please contact our sponsor Mouseketrips.

Disney Dream Reward DollarsSM Program

Each Cardmember will earn 1.0% of credit card spending in Disney Dream Reward DollarsSM.
For example, one reward dollar will be earned for every 100 dollars in net purchases, up to a maximum of 750 Disney Dream Reward DollarsSM on $75,000 in net purchases in a calendar year. You will not earn Disney Dream Reward DollarsSM on balance transfers, cash advances, convenience checks, finance charges accrued on your account balances, or fees on products which protect or insure the balances of your account or fees of any kind. 

Disney Dream Reward DollarsSM will accrue in the Cardmember's rewards account and be reported on the monthly credit card statement. 

Cardmembers may request their Disney Dream Reward DollarsSM by contacting Disney's® Visa Card Bank One Customer Service at 1-800-300-8575 or www.BankOne.com/Disney. Bank One will send Cardmembers a reward certificate or rewards card that can be redeemed anytime at Disney Store, disneystore.com, Disney Catalog, Disneyland® Resort, Walt Disney World® Resort and Disney Cruise Line®. There are no block-out dates for redeeming Disney Dream Reward DollarsSM. 

Disney Dream Reward DollarsSM may also be used for the partial amount of a purchase - they can redeem 20 reward dollars toward an item and pay any remainder with cash or credit card. 

 

Offers for Disney Visa Card Holders

The Walt Disney World Resort Character Meet 'N' Greet Event is available upon presentation of your valid Disney Rewards Visa Card for entry for up to 6 people. Separate theme park admission required. Offer includes one 5x7 keepsake photo per valid cardmember account. 
At Walt Disney World Resort receive a 10% discount on purchases of $25 or more when you present a valid Disney Rewards Visa Card and mention this offer at the World of Disney store in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. 
Receive 20% off the non-discounted price of select tours at the Walt Disney World Theme Parks when you present your valid Disney Rewards Visa Card at the time of purchase. Cardmember must participate in the tour.
Be first to book select special Resort discount and package offers at Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

please go to the website below for subscribe.

http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/dcc.html

Disney's Credit Card

The Walt Disney Company, Chase and Visa have unveiled a new family-focused credit card that will enable consumers to turn everyday purchases into magical Disney rewards, including fun-filled Disney vacations, the latest DVD or a must-have Disney toy. 

Disney's Visa® Credit Card from Chase provides cardmembers the opportunity to earn and redeem Disney rewards quickly and easily. With unmatched flexibility, no blackout dates and an attractive interest rate, Disney's Visa® Card is one of the most competitive rewards cards available today. 

"We've designed this unique card to help fulfill the dreams of our Disney guests and families," said Michael Eisner, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. "Through our strategic alliances with Bank One and Visa, we've created a credit card from Bank One that will offer cardmembers the features they need, like competitive interest rates and platinum card benefits, while also providing what they want - magical Disney rewards and unparalleled flexibility to use those rewards." hope you'll enjoy with that credit card....

apply now at http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/dcc.html

FAQ for Disney Rewards® Visa Card from Chase

Here are some common questions asked about the Disney Rewards Visa Card and the instant credit application process. These questions also cover how to use your new Disney Rewards Visa Card to purchase a vacation on disneyworld.com. 

Q. I applied online for instant credit for Disney Rewards Visa Card. How do I know if I've been approved? 

Q. I applied online for instant credit for Disney Rewards Visa Card and was instantly approved. When do I get my card? 

Q. Can I use my Disney Rewards Visa Card to purchase a vacation package or buy Theme Park tickets today? 

Q. I applied online for instant credit for Disney Rewards Visa Card online and was instantly approved. How do I use my new credit card account to purchase a vacation package? 

Q. I applied online for instant credit for Disney Rewards Visa Card and was informed that Chase was unable to make a decision at that time. When will I find out if I've been approved? 

Q. Can I use my Disney Rewards Visa Card to make other purchases on disneyworld.com? 

Q. Can I use my new Disney Rewards Visa Card to make offline purchases? 

Q. How do I collect my statement credit once approved for the Disney Rewards Visa Card? 

Q. I have other questions about Disney Rewards Visa Card, my application or both. Whom do I call? 

Q. What is the difference between Disney Rewards® Card and the Disney Rewards Visa Card? 

Q. I called Disney to reserve my vacation. I would now like to pay my remaining balance online using my new Disney Rewards Visa Card account. Is this possible? 

Q. I applied online for instant credit for Disney Rewards Visa Card. How do I know if I've been approved? 
A. If you qualify, Chase will immediately notify you in the same window as your application if you have been approved. In some cases, however, Chase might take anywhere from a couple of minutes to a few days to make a decision. In that event, you will receive a message indicating that Chase is unable to make a decision at this time. It is still possible that you will be approved for a Disney Rewards Visa Card. You can call Chase with any questions regarding your application at (800) 300-8575. Chase will contact you through the mail within 30 days of your application with a final decision. 



Q. I applied online for instant credit for Disney Rewards Visa Card and was instantly approved. When do I get my card? 
A. Your card will arrive in the mail within 30 days after application. If you applied during Online Check-In Service and were approved instantly, every effort will be made to have your new card delivered during your stay. In some instances we may not be able to reach you during your stay, therefore, your card will be delivered to the address you provided on your credit card application. 



Q. Can I use my Disney Rewards Visa Card to purchase a vacation package or buy Theme Park tickets today? 
A. If instantly approved, you can immediately use your Disney Rewards Visa Card number to purchase a vacation package and Theme Park tickets. 



Q. I applied online for instant credit for Disney Rewards Visa Card online and was instantly approved. How do I use my new credit card account to purchase a vacation package? 
A. When you are prompted to choose a Payment Method as you book a vacation package or purchase Theme Park tickets, select "Disney Rewards Visa Card." 


Q. I applied online for instant credit for Disney Rewards Visa Card and was informed that Chase was unable to make a decision at that time. When will I find out if I've been approved? 
A. In some instances, an application may require additional time to process and the account may not be available for immediate use. To inquire about the status of your application, you may either call Chase at (800) 300-8575 or simply return to the Walt Disney World® Web site any time within 14 days of applying. If you have qualified, the option to use Disney Rewards Visa Card as a Payment Method will be available to you to make additional payments on your existing vacation or to book another vacation. Within 30 days of your application, Chase will contact you through the mail with a final decision. 



Q. Can I use my Disney Rewards Visa Card to make other purchases on disneyworld.com? 
A. You can use your new credit card account to purchase vacations or Theme Park tickets at disneyworld.com until you reach your temporary credit limit. Once you receive your credit card by mail, you can use your Disney Rewards Visa Card on the Web site or wherever Visa credit cards are accepted with access to your full credit limit. 



Q. Can I use my new Disney Rewards Visa Card to make offline purchases? 
A. Once you receive your credit card, you can use your Disney Rewards Visa Card anywhere Visa is accepted. 



Q. How do I collect my statement credit once approved for the Disney Rewards Visa Card? 
A. After you first use your Disney Rewards Visa Card from Chase, your savings will automatically appear as a credit on your Chase card billing statement within 2 billing cycles. 



Q. I have other questions about Disney Rewards Visa Card, my application or both. Whom do I call? 
A. You can call Chase with any questions regarding your application or your card at (800) 300-8575. 


Q. What is the difference between Disney Rewards® Card and the Disney Rewards Visa Card? 
A. These are two different payment options on disneyworld.com. The Disney Rewards Visa Card is a credit card that you can use anywhere a Visa credit cards is are accepted. For example, use it to pay for your vacation or purchase Theme Park tickets. When you use the credit card, you earn Disney Dream Reward Dollars®. The Disney Rewards® Card is what you use on disneyworld.com if you want to redeem your Disney Dream Reward Dollars® to pay for a vacation or Theme Park tickets. 



Q. I called Disney to reserve my vacation. I would now like to pay my remaining balance online using my new Disney Rewards Visa Card account. Is this possible? 
A: If you initiated your reservation over the phone, you will need to pay your balance over the phone as well. To use your new Disney Rewards Visa Card account, you will need to wait until you receive your new credit card from Chase before calling (407) WDW-MAGIC (939-6244)† to process your payment. If you initiated your reservation on the website, you can return to the website and process your payment on your Disney Rewards Visa Card instant credit account. 




† If you are under 18 years of age, you must have your parent or guardian's permission to dial this number. (except in Alabama and Nebraska - age 19 and older).