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INTRODUCTION
This mini-lesson includes learning objectives, background information, discussion questions, an activity, and sources of additional information.
OBJECTIVES
Learners will: Analyze the types, costs, terms, and conditions of credit cards Understand the process to compare credit cards Evaluate and select the appropriate credit cards
CHARGE IT!
Using credit cards to pay for goods and services is a fact of life for most consumers. Yet, many consumers do not take the time to comparison shop for credit cards. We are more interested in rebates, bonuses, or perks which allow us to earn credit toward other services or purchases. The more we charge with our credit cards, the bigger our rebate or bonus, but we fail to realize that usually these cards carry higher annual fees and finance charges.
Charge It!
It is not a problem if you pay off your balance each month, but statistics on credit card use show that Americans are carrying increasingly high levels of credit card debt. You can use credit cards to pay for telephone calls, speeding tickets, every kind of service, support for charitable organizations, funerals and credit cards can even reimburse you when purchases are lost, stolen, or go on sale. So it is important to compare credit terms and costs of similar cards so that you can select the credit card that will give you the features and terms that meet your needs.
Banks offer a choice of payment methods, either pay the balance in full with no interest or pay a minimum part or some part of the balance with a finance charge. Company or Retail store cards such as Sears, J.C. Penney, Shell, or Mobil. These cards are only accepted by the specific company and do not have an annual fee. However, the terms and conditions of these cards vary widely.
Some offer special services such as reserving rental cars or tickets, replacement of lost or stolen merchandise, extension of the warranty or guarantee, and air travel insurance.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
What credit limit do you set for each card each month? (should be realistic to income and spending and a set amount for each card) Where will you use your card? (Which stores and for what services?) Which type of credit card(s) is appropriate? (Which type of card best meets your needs?)
Questions To Ask
Will you pay off the balance each month? (Look for a low annual fee or no fee, other fees and a grace period.) Will you carry a balance? (Look for a low APR and periodic rate and determine which balance computation method is used.) Is there a grace period? (Look for an interest-free grace period, generally 25 to 30 days.)
User Responsibilities
A credit card user, has the following responsibilities: Assess your financial situation and determine how much you can repay monthly.
Understand the contract's costs and conditions so that you know the total cost of credit purchases.
Keep copies of credit transactions and compare with your monthly statement. Remove carbons from credit card receipts and destroy them.
User Responsibilities
Do not give your credit card numbers to anyone you do not know and trust
Pay your bill on time. Inform the creditor of any billing errors promptly. Notify the creditor if you cannot make your payments. Make a list of all credit card account numbers and the issuer's telephone number to use if your card(s) are lost or stolen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Define credit and list advantages and disadvantages of using credit. 2. Describe the types of credit cards.
Discussion Questions
6. Identify the steps to evaluate and select a Credit card.
ACITIVTY
Using the Credit Card Comparison Worksheet evaluate three different credit card applications to determine the credit card costs, terms, and options. Then list the features that best suit your needs and spending habits in order of priority. With this information, you can analyze each credit card and select the right credit card for you.
Activity
Use advertisements to identify local businesses
that could be included under each source. List the advantages and disadvantages of using each source. Give students a copy of our Brochures.