In today’s world, where cash transactions are gradually seeing a decline, credit cards have become a preferred mode of transaction, especially for the associated awards and perks that you may avail of from them. The more you use your cards, the higher rewards you earn. The annual fees for the card may make it quite expensive, but you may take advantage of the airline miles when you fly. The payoff is usually worth it for those cardholders who travel frequently and pay their card balance on time every month.
Here are three popular credit cards that may help you earn airline miles as you make purchases.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™
This is one of the best airline miles credit cards as it helps earn airline miles through everyday purchases and offers a lot of perks to cardholders. It has an annual fee of $99, which is waived for the first year. It requires an excellent credit score and has a variable annual percentage rate (APR) ranging from 17.74% to 25.74%. The first checked bags are free on the domestic American Airlines. In addition, the cardholders may enjoy free checked bags for four companions traveling on the same flight.
United MileagePlus® Explorer Card
This card has a zero introductory fee for the first year and then charges an annual fee of $95. Its variable APR ranges from 17.74% to 24.74%. When you use the card to fly United Airlines, you may earn 2 miles per every dollar and you earn one mile per dollar spent on other purchases.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
This credit card is considered as one of the best airline miles credit cards for multiple reasons which include a low annual fee, a bonus of 40,000 points after spending the first $1000 within the first three months of the issuance of the card. It is ideal for business flights and has a large sign-up bonus in addition to annual bonus miles. There is an annual fee of $99. The card has a variable APR ranging from 17.74% to 24.74%. You may earn 1 point for $1 spent on purchases. They offer cards to their employee at no extra charge.
The annual fee and APR mentioned above are approximate and subject to change. These are some of the best airline miles credit cards available in the market. However, you need to make a choice keeping your preferences and your ability to make the credit card payments on time. The card will have a penalty if the payment is not made within the given period.
Having a poor credit score may affect you in several ways. Most banks and non-banking financial institutions consider your credit score before making a lending decision. However, if you have a bad credit, you may still apply for a bad credit car finance for the purchase of a new or a used car and manage to save yourself from high-interest loans.
Here are the four best car financing options you may consider if you have a bad credit history.
Auto Credit Express®
Auto Credit Express® helps individuals with a bad credit get a loan for a brand-new car or a used car. They have built a network of car dealers that make it easier for you to find a dealer. This will save you the hassle of visiting several dealerships and running credit report inquiries with each of them.
Auto Credit USA
You may apply for a bad credit car finance with Auto Credit USA as they will help you receive financing irrespective of your credit score. This, in turn, will help improve your overall credit score. The company strives to make it easier for you to purchase the car of your dreams by offering low payment terms. With low interest rates, you may figure out a way to make your regular monthly payments that fit your budget.
AutoStar USA
The lender offers a guaranteed bad credit loan approval for your car finance. They have an easy and straightforward loan application process, which will help you avail of a loan even with a bad credit score. They offer car finance for all new vehicles as well as used vehicles.
myAutoloan
With myAutoloan, you will be able to connect with lenders within a few minutes. Irrespective of your credit score, you will be able to find a lender who is willing to help you with the finance of your car. It also has an interest rate estimator that gives you an idea about the kind of annual percentage rate (APR) you might get.
Apart from these lenders, there are leading banks that offer poor credit loans, but they have a higher APR and are more stringent with their rules. It is best to connect with lenders and understand their terms before you make an online application. For an applicant with a bad credit score, the entire process may be strenuous, but with lenders willing to help you, it is now possible to get finance irrespective of your credit score.
Banks and credit unions offer the best certificate of deposit (CDs) with a special annual percentage rate. A certificate of deposit is a short-term investment made for varying lengths of time to earn a dividend yield on your short-term money. CDs yield more substantial profits than average savings accounts. In simple terms, the longer the term period, the higher will be the interest earned. The financial institutions offering the best CDs include the following:
Discover High-Yield CD
This CD offers varying tenures, no hidden charges, no account opening fee, and reasonable rates. There is only a $2,500 minimum deposit required to open an account. The annual percentage yield (APY) rates vary from 2.5% APY for one year to 3.2% APY for three years. This rate is subject to change without prior notice.
Ally Bank
This bank offers a combination of a fast mobile app, best yields, and low minimum deposits. The best thing is that the deposit amount is not specified. The rates vary from 2.55% APY for one year to 2.9% APY for three years. The funds are FDIC insured up to the maximum limit allowed by law.
Marcus by Goldman Sachs
This consumer lending platform offers a 10-day guarantee on your CD so that if rates ever increase within the period, the company will proportionally increase the rates on your CDs. You are given a user-friendly mobile app, and the CDs have superior rates varying from 2.4% APY for one year to 2.90% APY for three years. There is a low minimum deposit of $500 required.
Sallie Mae Bank
A range of CD rates with the best yields is available for different tenures, starting from 6 months. The minimum deposit is $2,500. The APY rates vary from 2.65% for twelve months to 3.05% for thirty-six months.
Synchrony Bank
This bank offers competitive rates across a range of tenures from three months to sixty months. No minimum CD amount is specified, and the APY rates vary from 2.60% APY for one year to 3.25% for five years.
Tab Bank
If you want to structure a CD-based portfolio, this bank offers you the option of eight different tenures with superior yields. With a minimum deposit of $1,000, the APY rates vary from 2.35% for one year to 3.05% APY for three years.
Connexus Credit Union CDs
If you are interested in a CD from a credit union, opt for Connexus as their rates are competitive, yielding high interest. It offers the best rates for long tenures ranging from twelve to sixty months. The funds are federally insured for up to $250,000 by NCUA.
PenFed Credit Union
This credit union’s money market certificate offers competitive rates with low minimum deposits. You just have to deposit $1,000 and yield benefits across varying APY rates, from 2.30% for one year to 3.25% APY for a three-year term.
Barclays online CDs
The certificate of deposits from Barclays is attractive and structured with FDIC insurance, no minimum amounts, fees and balances. The competitive APY rates vary from 2.50% for one year to 3.25% for five years.
Popular Bank CDs
To open an account, there is a higher minimum deposit amount of $10,000 compared to other institutions. The APY rates vary from 0.50% APY for one year to 2.85% for five years.
Certificate of deposit is the best form of savings compared to other bank savings accounts. By making a fixed deposit in a CD for a particular tenure where your funds are locked away and not accessible, you earn a higher annual percentage yield. The above list has been curated to offer you the best rates and the list of institutions offering such products. Depending on your convenience, choose the option that best fits your plans and investment horizon.
There could be more than one reason to look for a new credit card. It could help you improve your financial well-being, save in the form of rewards, or pay off some existing debt. Luckily, applying for a new card is not a hard trek, as long as you put in the time to find the right card for yourself. Narrow your list to cards that meet all or most of your requirements.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
You need a credit score in the range of 660 to 850 to get a Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. You can even score a cash reward of $200 after spending $1000 within the first three months. The card has perks like zero annual fees and 2% rewards on unlimited spending. Additionally, the card has a 0% introductory APR value for the first 15 months for opening purchases and opening balance transfers of the qualifying amount. Following the initial 15 months, the variable APR values are 17.24%, 22.24%, and 27.24%. If you are looking for a way to pay your debts and make cash simultaneously, you can get a Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and earn with their rewards.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Cards are a great option if you’re all about the rewards programs. Using this card wins you 1.5% rewards after every dollar spent. You can also win rewards if you make your travel expenses through Chase Ultimate Rewards. This program wins you 5% cash back along with a travel bonus. You also win 3% cash back on the amount you spend in restaurants, even when ordering takeout. You can sign up for the card with zero annual fees and no introductory APR. However, you will have to pay a variable fee for balance transfers.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
This credit card is the perfect find for people that are often traveling. You get miles added to your card for every dollar you spend on rental cars and hotels. However, the catch is that you must make your bookings via Capital One Travel. The card has no annual fee, variable APR, and multiple loyalty programs. You also get the option of redeeming your points with your preferred option. One setback about this card is its higher APR percentage.
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Among the top choices for students is the Discover it® Student Cash Back card. It comes with a generous rewards program that lets students accumulate 5% cash back on everyday spending during each quarter. Students also get 1% cash back on all their other purchases. The rewards won over the year are then matched by Discover. This offer is, however, only applicable during the first year.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
If you are eager to earn cashback rewards even when grocery shopping at any supermarket in the country, with Blue Cash Preferred® cards, you are entitled to 3% cash back on gas, 6% cash back on supermarket purchases, and 1% on other purchases. The card comes with zero introductory APR that lasts the whole first year. Following that, the APR varies between 16.24% to 26.24%. However, it might be possible for you to lose out on the benefits with a $95 annual fee.
Capital One has been one of the premier providers of investment and financial solutions for a long time. It has gained immense popularity for its range of credit cards. For students, business owners, or individuals alike, who are attempting to rebuild their credit, these credit cards are among the best available in the market. If used responsibly, a credit card may help you build a good credit rating as well.
There is a simple and hassle-free application process for credit cards on Capital One. To get a credit card, you can simply go to their website and click on respond to Capital One mail offer or click on getmyoffer.capitalone.
How to ensure you get a Capital One mail offer
The following four steps help ensure that you increase your chances of getting approved for a Capital One credit card.
Starting good habits early: Everything from car loan payments to rent and credit cards, you must stay updated on the money you owe. You must ensure that you are always paying the bills on time. This can go a long way in building a good credit. Good payment habits and history is what credit card companies look for when considering applications.
Knowing your score: Your credit score refers to your creditworthiness. It depends on several factors, such as the number of recently opened accounts, how well you have paid outstanding bills, and the latest credit checks. Banks analyze this score judiciously. Generally, the higher the score, the more likely your application will be approved.
Balance your debt-to-income ratio: A debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is a straightforward comparison of how much you earn compared to how much you owe. Understanding this balance will come in handy to apply for a reasonable amount of credit. It helps to not get overwhelmed with monthly payments. Capital One will also check your DTI to ensure it does not approve your application for an amount more than what you are able to afford.
Looking for the right fit: Before applying to Capital One, you should take some time to check out the benefits and terms and apply for the card that suits your needs best. Credit card prequalification offers may also help, where-in Capital One will help you decide the card you should choose. They are certainly a good first step on the road to getting that application approved. It might be tempting to choose a higher-level card, but it is advisable to gradually make the move.
The application will either be accepted or declined in an instant. If you have received a mail from Capital One with the Get My Offer promotion, you will just need to click on the website mentioned above.
Modern advances in technology have made it possible for taxpayers to file their returns online without having the need to visit a tax filer. Since there are different types of income tax returns, it is important to understand which one is applicable to you. Choosing the right income tax return is the first step to file your taxes online. You may pick the tax form which corresponds to your current income bracket. This also allows you to claim credits, deductions, and the income that are applicable to you.
How to file U.S individual income tax returns
The standard federal income tax form for this is IRS Tax Form 1040, which is also known as the long form. If you are confused about which form to use, you may choose this one. You may download the form on your computer or collect it from a post office or local library near you. The due date for filing the form is 15th April. However, you may be granted a six-month tax extension, but it is advisable to make the payment by the deadline.
Filling out the form
There are step-by-step instructions, which may help you fill out the form, however, you may need to have a number of details ready to be entered. These include a proof of identification, social security number, filing status, residency status, date of birth, and a copy of your past tax return. You may have to provide the statement of wages earned, statement of interest and dividends from banks, and any proof of tax credit or tax deductions/exclusions. You may fill the form as per the instructions and provide the necessary details as and where asked for.
If you are not confident about filing the form yourself, you may seek help from a professional for the same. You may start by understanding the meaning of different terms associated with income tax filing, after which you may be able to fill the details appropriately by yourself. Once the form has been completely filled, you may file your taxes online and make the payment. Do keep in mind that the payment should be done by the due date. There is no extension granted automatically, but you may file for a six-month extension to file your return. It should be noted that a lot of taxpayers confuse the extension criteria and end up filing for an extension without paying their taxes on time.
Every year, thousands of people in the country apply for personal loans to meet their financial requirements. Personal loans may be utilized for any purpose and are straightforward and simple in application. Borrowers with a good credit score will have no issues with regard to the application and approval of their personal loan. However, the story is entirely different if you have a bad credit. Nonetheless, it is not impossible.
It is possible to get a bad credit personal loan from various lenders in the market. A score of 550 or lesser than that means a bad credit and most banks and financial institutions will not be willing to lend you money.
Tips to build a credit score
Here are certain steps that you may follow so that you are eligible for a bad credit personal loan.
A bad credit score does not mean that you cannot raise funds at all. You might have to put in additional efforts for the same, but it is possible to get a personal loan with a bad credit rating.
It is essential for every taxpayer to file their income tax returns on time. However, not everyone is abreast with the latest changes and amendments to the laws and regulations of the country. Only professionals and experts have thorough knowledge about the current rules and amendments. This is why it is important for you to seek tax advice from tax professionals. The professional tax advice is not restricted to the residents of the USA only. If you are a resident and have moved abroad but have an ongoing obligation to file the income tax return, it will help you to seek advice from expert professionals. You will be able to continue your liability for the US taxation even when you have moved out of the country.
How does tax advice help?
Tax advisors understand the system of the home country and have an idea about the overseas tax system as well. Unless you know how both the systems work, you will not be able to plan your taxes accordingly. When you seek tax advice from professionals, you know for certain that you are relying on the right people with regard to tax planning and filing. Any individual, business-owner, and a salaried employee can seek advice from these professionals so as to be on the right side of the law. They will help you minimize your tax bills and improve your current financial position.
Fees for tax advice
It is important to keep in mind that tax advice comes for a cost. Every individual is required to pay the fees charged by these professional advisors. There are advisors who can help you plan your investments in a better manner so as to reduce the liability of tax on you. The fee varies depending on the type of professional you approach for the purpose of professional advice.
When you prepare your income tax filing, keep the professional advice in mind. You may be able to notice the difference in your income tax liability and your financial position. This will allow you to save money and invest the same into appropriate investment products. Consider a reliable and qualified tax advisor for your services. Although getting a professional tax advice is expensive, the money you invest will be worth it in the long run as it will help you make well-informed decisions.