Those who can't take on credit card debt pay in other ways
Monday, 11 October 2010 14:00
A reporter for the Associated Press participated in a one-month experiment to see how much it cost those who don't have a bank account and can't take on credit card debt. The report said she piled up $93 in fees and charges that those who are part of the banking system never have to worry about. That works out to over $1,100 a year for those who go unbanked. For example, she paid $28 to cash a paycheck, $1.50 for every money order she had to send out to pay bills, and a dollar or more every time she swiped her prepaid debit card at a store.
The report said many consumers don't have the ability to take on credit card debt for a number of reasons. The majority of those households that are considered under- or unbanked bring in less than $30,000 a year, and rely on services like check-cashing companies and payday loans. Many also rely on prepaid debit cards, but these carry their own fees, including paying just to set up an account. In addition, some may charge up to a dollar a minute to call the issuer's customer service hotline, or $5 every time the user adds more money to the account. However, there are many hassles associated with not using a credit card or bank that consumers may take for granted. For example, if someone with a prepaid card wants to use it to take cash out of an ATM, they are often hit with hefty fees to do so, with some companies charging up to $5.
Many consumers who can't get a credit card may have a history of bad credit and are no longer able to qualify for a new account from a lender. Many banks have tightened restrictions on the minimum credit score a person can have to qualify for even the most basic card.
Recent News Articles
- Will consumers take on personal credit card debt to make business purchases?
- Consumers still relying heavily on rewards credit cards
- Capital One sees fewer delinquencies, more defaults in April
- CFPB still pushes for heftier credit card disclosures
- Consumers carrying far more credit card debt in March
Achievements
|
Debtmerica has had one vision since inception - to help Americans nationwide attain financial independence. At Debtmerica, we're proud of our achievements and honors. They represent our commitment to our vision and clients. |
|
|
|
|
Top Articles to Help You Lead A Debt-Free Life
- Debt Consolidation: “Debt Consolidation” is one of the most commonly misunderstood and misinterpreted personal finance strategies that consumers inquire about all the time. While some view it as a method of taking on new loans, others see it as a debt relief alternative. It is more important than ever for inquisitive consumers to have a very strong understanding of exactly what debt consolidation entails, and the impacts it can have on personal finances.
- Debt Relief: Debt relief is defined as a partial or total forgiveness of debt. When the term is used by the government, it usually refers to the forgiveness of debt to underdeveloped countries. Recently, it has begun to refer to the millions of consumers who are overwhelmed with debt seeking financial relief from their unsecured debt.
- Credit Card Debt: Credit card debt is an example of unsecured consumer debt, accessed through credit cards. Debt results when a client of a credit card company purchases an item or service through the card system. Debt accumulates and increases via interest and penalties when the consumer does not pay the company for the money he or she has spent.
- Debt Settlement: Debt settlement programs use a third party to negotiate lower balances and interest rates on unsecured debt. This type of debt management plan helps provide consumers an alternative to bankruptcy while reducing your outstanding debt.
- Credit Counseling: There are a numerous options for consumers who want to start getting their finances under control after accumulating large amounts of debt, which could inevitably lead to credit problems further down the road. Consumers who are in control of most aspects of their finances, but still feel like they could use additional help managing their debt burden, could certainly benefit from the assistance of a consumer credit counseling service.
- How Do I Get Out of Debt?: Now that the national economy is beginning to recover and people are having a better time dealing with their personal finances, many consumers who found themselves sunk deep in debt over the last few years may be asking themselves the question, “How do I get out of debt?” Fortunately, there are a number of avenues consumers can take to get out of debt, each with benefits and drawbacks depending on how quickly people need to fix their financial problems.
- 10 Tips to Avoid the Debt Trap: Have you ever thought about why so many of the people you know are struggling with debt? Do you ever wonder why banks keep lending to certain individuals, even when they are falling behind on their payments? Did you know that debt problems are a leading cause of major societal problems, such as stress, divorce and alcoholism?
- Credit Management: Many consumers are finding themselves buried under a pile of mounting debt. With interest accumulating month after month in addition to late fees being charged, many consumers are finding it difficult to make just the minimum payments on their credit cards. Although this may seem like an endless battle, with a strict budget and some discipline there are credit management strategies and solutions that will allow consumers to reduce or even eliminate their debt.
- Credit Card Debt Reduction: In recent months, many Americans have made a greater effort to seek credit card debt reduction and reduce the balances they owe, but some may not know where to start. Fortunately, there are several options available for consumers thathave a financial goal to achieve credit card debt reduction.
- Credit problems: Paying down high levels of debt is one of the best ways to improve credit problems and increase one’s credit standing. But many people cannot do that so quickly, especially in this economy. About one-third of a credit score is based off of a credit utilization ratio, which is the total creditbalances divided by the total credit limits. A great target is to use no more than 30% of one’s available credit.
A Secure & Trusted Site
|
Debtmerica is committed to providing a safe and secure site that you can trust. |




