Today’s cards fit today’s lifestyles.

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) October 27, 2005 -- Credit cards have become a staple in the average American wallet: CardWeb, an industry-leading company that tracks credit card trends, contends 84 million households carry one with an average balance, according to MSN’s MoneyCentral, of roughly $2000.

And why not, when cards cater to every demographic:

The Student Card – Promoted for its credit-building capacity, the student cards entice young spenders by rewarding good GPA’s and offering rewards such as Spring Break VIP passes, discounts at grocery stores and gas stations, and free movie passes.

The Business Card – With generous credit lines, the business credit cards offer emerging and small businesses more buying-power than ever to open and maintain operations. Typical promotions promise no annual fee (for the introductory period) as well as quarterly and annual statements.

The Secure or Pre-Paid Card -- The demographic of these cards often include people with poor credit history, but are also popular with parents who want to teach their middle- or high-schooler how to use a card responsibly. These cards require deposits before use and often have high interest rates.

The Rewards Card – Most card issuers have some type of rewards programs, such as cash rebates, retail discounts, or points that can be used for other offers. Many companies now offer their own cards with rewards linked to their own products: coffee shops, airlines, car dealerships, department stores, book stores, and theme parks, just to name a few.

When choosing a card, it’s important to read the fine print. Consider the interest rate, not just in the introductory period, but after as well. Consider the annual fee, balance transfer fee, cash advance fee, and debit use fee. Consider the type of card, whether Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. Visa has generated commercials noting stores and events like the Olympics accept only Visa, while other wholesalers like Sam’s Club only take Discover.

Choosing politicians may impact card statements as much as our choice in cards. October 17, 2005, ushered in a new era for card users -- revised bankruptcy laws now make it more difficult to file away those troublesome totals. Ben Bernanke may also affect the future of our mournful monthly statements; he was appointed October 24, 2005, by President Bush to be the new Federal Reserve Chariman. For more Information, visit http://www.creditcard-people.com

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