Credit cards are no longer some sort of luxury but a reality of modern life. Not so long ago, these cards were a sign of richness, but the situation has changed since then. More and more banks willingly provide their customers with credit cards. More and more people can take advantage of these cards. But how does a credit card work? When you use your credit card in a store, restaurant, etc. you do not spend your own money. You spend your bank’s money instead. If you are able to return your debt in a short time, the interest will not be taken. Most often, a credit card is a plastic card with a ferromagnetic strip bearing the name of its owner, a cipher, a sample signature, and a number of the personal bank account.
The first credit cards were introduced in the early 50s. They were called the Diners Club cards. The opportunity to pay by credit card attracted many people. That’s how Visa and MasterCard, the world-known international payment systems, appeared on the market. These two payment systems support plastic cards emitted by different banks. For the average user, the difference between Visa and MasterCard is insignificant. Still, it is advisable to pay attention to the fact that the MasterCard payment system works with Euro in the countries and territories of the European Union. However, even in these countries, Visa’s internal accounting currency is U.S. dollar.
Almost all major banks work with the credit cards these days. It is very difficult to distinguish a true leader in this field, because even the most reliable banks have their weak sides. These banks can offer you a credit card, but you should still be aware of all the pitfalls of using a credit card. First of all, you should be aware of the hidden commission. As soon as you have decided to get a new credit card, you must begin with searching for the most reliable bank. At this stage, it is necessary to consider several criteria. Naturally, you will want to work with the bank which offers the lowest annual interest rates. But even if the rates are very low, you should understand that the bank may charge a fixed rate for the credit card service. Some banks make even better deals. They offer 0% rates for a short period. The longer this period, the better, but it is still necessary to pay attention to the maintenance costs.
When choosing among credit cards, it is advisable to take into account your local stores, super markets, and the network of ATMs. The best way to select a bank is to choose the one which has an office next to your place of residence. The same is true for the credit and debit cards. It will be very difficult to use your credit card if there is no ATM anywhere around you. Fortunately, you can spot all ATM networks on your city map. Banks always provide their clients with the most detailed maps.
