Charge Accounts and Credit Cards in United States

The United States is becoming an increasingly cashless society. People make purchases by check, current account, the bank (debit) card or credit card rather than a lot of money in their pockets or bags.

Most people receive monthly invoices and send payment by check for expenses such as shopping stores, telephone, electricity, gas, newspaper delivery, and household expenses. Increasingly, however, people pay their bills through the Internet using a computer at home and their bank, secure website. Many use credit cards to pay for the petrol and service stations and the cost of restaurant, hotel, and travel expenses. In most supermarkets, a variety of payment options are available: cash, personal check, credit card or debit card.

Many people, however, prefer not to receive the monthly bills. They work on a combination of paying bills in cash and other charges. It is a matter of personal choice. If you use credit cards, be sure to promptly pay, interest for late payment may be high, and your credit rating may be affected if you do not pay your bills by the deadline indicated on the bill .

Many credit card companies charge an annual fee and interest rates that vary from one company to another. It is important to verify the amount of interest rate and the amount of the annual fee, then select a card that will cost the least. Competition between banks and credit card companies is enormous. Take your time choosing a card, and read the information closely. Some companies advertise that they charge no annual fee and some appear to offer low interest rate on the deferred amount on the card, the buyer, but beware! Read the fine print, most of these bargains are not at all offers. The low interest rates only last May, a month or two, then spend an hour well above the market rate. The most common are Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. They can be used in most shops, restaurants, hotels and service stations. Some shops, however, do not accept American Express. When you receive your credit card, be sure to sign the back of it in the space provided.

Most stores offer charge accounts, they will ask banks and other credit references. Approval of the accounts may take a few minutes to a few weeks. When your application is approved, you will receive a credit card (sometimes called "credit card") which can not be used in this store. Cards speed up the procurement process. In addition, you can return goods and obtain a credit on your account (you will generally not receive a refund in cash).

There are disadvantages to having a credit card or debit card. If you lose, and he chose someone, or if someone steals your wallet, it can run up heavy charges on your account. If this happens to you, call the store or credit card service and to report the loss immediately. Then, write at once and tell them again on the day and time of your phone to report the loss. Keep a copy of the letter. You will not be liable for any charges on the card after the time you first it. Some people carry their credit cards if they go shopping, others when they wear out, but whatever you do, always be on guard for possible scholarship snatchers or pickpockets. Visa and MasterCard are generally not a victim of theft responsible for more than a fixed amount.

ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) are replacing the withdrawal of banking services and, in some cases, even the deposit money. When you use an ATM, do so from a car if possible - for safety reasons. When on foot, use the normal security precautions and make sure nobody sees you enter your PIN (personal identification number). Also, vending machines generally pay a transaction fee unless your bank account is in the same bank that owns the ATM.