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It’s no secret that online bill-pay systems offer consumers a convenient way to pay bills without paper checks, envelopes or U.S. postage stamps. But these systems also give people greater control and flexibility in how they manage their personal finances, says Susan Tiffany, director of consumer periodicals at the Credit Union National Association in Madison, Wis. Here’s a look at some of the functions of online bill-pay and why you might want to use them. Schedule One-Time Payments The ability to delay payments until their due dates is one advantage of an online system, says Cary Whaley, vice president of [...]

When it comes to saving money, your credit cards’ offerings might extend beyond their rewards program. Many credit cards offer rental car insurance and warranty protection that may seem trivial at first glance, but knowing when you’re covered can have a profound effect on your bottom line. These peripheral perks are offered not by the issuers of credit cards [e.g. banks like Capital One (COF) and Bank of America (BAC), but rather by the four card networks – Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover – which are better known for affecting where your card is accepted.  American Express (AXP) has [...]

I still carry cash. Most people I know look at the paper folding stuff I pull out at the coffee counter and barely recognize it. Back in the late ’90s, when primitive electronic devices like debit cards were becoming more popular, a good friend of mine told me that paper money would be obsolete in less than 10 years. He was wrong, it turns out, but maybe only in the length of time he gave it. With the recent release of Google’s cloud-based online wallet, cash might be more in danger than ever of a complete electronic takeover. Dangers of [...]

Last week, for no apparent reason, my phone became little more than an ornate paperweight. I took it to the repair guys and they told me that the phone was out of warranty, shrugged and quoted me the sky-high replacement cost. Who came to the rescue? My credit card company. Most of us know about credit card rewards, such as points for air travel, but almost every credit card comes with other lesser-known benefits, like the extended warranty coverage that prevented me from having to pop for a new phone. If you ever buy electronics or get on a plane, [...]

Dear Cashing In, I’m an employer for a small, specialty insurance company, with nine salespeople who travel extensively. The frequent flier advice columns — including yours — that I see have lots of advice for individuals, but could you help out a small-business owner, please? What airline/hotel credit card programs are there to maximize my benefits, while at the same time, giving me good opportunity to share the perks with my salespeople (especially the high producers)?  – Sven S. Dear Sven, You’re right that c Whatever you choose, make sure it’s suited for the kind of travel your business requires [...]

Repaid baggage feesAmerican travelers have grudgingly grown accustomed to paying for checked bags on flights. While many airlines charge between $ 25 to $ 50 per bags, Spirit Airlines announced a record-breaking $ 100 bag check fee for some future flights. Carrying eligible branded airline credit cards eliminates those fees on American, United, Delta, US Airways, and most other major carriers.Meanwhile, casual travelers and frequent fliers no longer require airline loyalty to get their bags checked for free. For instance, American Express offers a $ 100 annual airline fee allowance on its Blue Sky Preferred travel credit card. AmEx doubles [...]

Effortless visa credit card just won’t assist accumulate easy travellers, wads of money and / or gift certificates. Fortunately fresh, new look for stage shows these kinds of are which wanted to a key course, and they are commonly attractive to at an early age, economically careful folks. A study by just Mintel Comperemedia, a good that can killer tracks private credit information deal awareness, selected that can regular mail contains for use with no-frills visa credit card — yet please do not represent savings along with demand hardly any summer membership fee — are generally tipping to mailboxes. Therefore, [...]