Posted by Tom Wilkins on Fri 3rd August 2007 at 06:00 AM, Filed in US Credit Cards
Not the coolest looking credit card, the ESPN Total Access does have some redeeming features:
• 0% FIXED APR for 6 months on Purchases and Balances Transferred Now (not on Cash Advances).
• ESPN Total Access Rewards Program.
• 2,500 Bonus Points – Earn 2,500 bonus points with first card use within one year.
• Earn tickets and VIP Access to Sporting Events, Sports Merchandise and Collectibles, Retail, Dining and Travel Rewards.
• Free ESPN Sports Concierge Service.
Answering the following questions will help determine whether you are a compulsive spender. Or at least that’s the theory!!!
1. I have not seen my credit statement for over a year and don’t care.
2. I can barely afford the minimum payments on credit card balances - and don’t care.
3. I haven’t checked whether I can get a better credit deal elsewhere for over 2 years.
4. I have an overdraft that runs close to the limit every month.
5. I have been turned down for credit 3 times in the last year.
6. I have no pension, no savings and no assets.
7. I focus on credit card gifts and incentives, not the APR.
8. I have more than twenty credit cards with balances.
9. I have never used a budget to control my spending.
10. I run out of money regularly and have to borrow more on my overdraft.
It’s nothing new but there’s a helpful article over at USAToday about the need to keep a good credit score.
This snippet was particularly poignant:
“In response to a sharp rise in foreclosures, mortgage lenders have tightened their standards, leading to an increase in rejected applications.
In addition, interest rates have been rising in recent weeks, so even if you qualify for a mortgage, you’ll probably pay more for it. That means it’s more important than ever to make sure your credit score is in good shape. A credit score is a mathematical model that analyzes information in your credit report. Lenders use credit scores to gauge the likelihood that you’ll repay your debts. A good credit score can save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of your loan.”
This is so true, and it doesn’t stop with Mortgages. Hiring cars, personal loans and even business loans can be made more expensive if your credit score doesn’t come up to scratch.
American Express Platinum is fairly exclusive and requires an annual fee of $300, but includes an array of benefits:
• Comprehensive travel insurance for you and your children.
• The travel insurance is so comprehensive that it provides limited financial compensation should your departure be delayed by more than 4 hours, including missed connections, and also if your baggage is delayed by more than 4 hours.
• Accelerated status with hotel and car hire programs.
• Preferential rates on travel.
• Access to Eurostar lounges.
• Personal concierge.
Bank of America has joined the rush to serve the very wealthy with a high end credit card. It’s a joint venture with American Express called the Accolades Amex Credit Card.
The card is targeted exclusively for the very wealthy customers in their Private Bank arm, Premier Banking & Investments, division of Bank of America. The minimum requirement for customers is $200,000 worth of assets at Bank of America.
Perks of the new card include:
Read more...
