How You Can Profit from Credit Cards: Using Credit to Improve Your Financial Life and Bottom Line

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“This book is a must-read for credit card holders of all ages. Curtis Arnold offers insights into how consumers can not only profit financially from credit cards, but importantly, how to avoid falling into debt.” —Thomas R. Evans, President and CEO of BankRate.com, Inc.   “Finally, someone has written a guide for savvy consumers who want to make the most of the plastic in their wallets. Curtis Arnold explains exactly how to maximize your rewards so you’re quite literally getting free money and also outlines winning strategies for negotiating the lowest interest rate and using balance transfers to your advantage. Anyone who wants to build credit, improve their credit, or profit from their credit cards should read this book.” —Liz Pulliam Weston, MSN Money Personal Finance Columnist and Bestselling Author of Your Credit Score and Easy Money   “Curtis Arnold is America’s premier credit card expert. Whether you’re trying to get your first card, compare credit offers, or figure out how to beat the credit card companies at their own game, Arnold’s wisdom and insider tips will prove invaluable.” —Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The “Money Coach” and Author of The New York Times Bestseller Zero Debt: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom   “If you have had enough of credit card tricks and traps, this book will show you how to turn the tables. Curtis Arnold knows the credit card business inside and out and offers proven ways to put plastic to work for you, rather than against you.” —Gerri Detweiler, Consumer Advocate and Author of four books on personal finance including the forthcoming book Stop Debt Collectors   “For most Americans, credit cards are seen as a necessary evil. Curtis Arnold transforms that perception. Using his advice, people can get rebates, perks, better interest rates, and all kinds of benefits from their cards that they never knew were possible. This book helps you become the master of your credit cards instead of a victim.” —Jordan E. Goodman, “America’s Money Answers Man” and Bestselling Author of Everyone’s Money Book on Credit   “Curtis Arnold provides you with tips for protecting yourself from costly credit card traps, how to use credit to your advantage, and much more. This is a must-read book!” —Marcia Brixey, Author of The Money Therapist and Founder and President of Money Wise Women Educational Services   Banks spend billions to entice credit card customers with rebates, freebies, low introductory rate offers, and airline miles. This book shows you how to take maximum advantage of these special deals—without paying for them through brutally high interest rates, fees, and penalties!   Top independent credit card expert Curtis Arnold reveals how to creatively finance major purchases such as cars, weddings, and condos with little or no interest charges…earn huge credit card “perks” every year…and dramatically reduce your cost of credit. He offers specific advice targeted to: young consumers, retirees facing credit discrimination, Americans recovering from debt problems, and even to consumers with spotless credit.   Why should huge banks and credit card companies make all the money? Get this book, and you too can start earning and saving hundreds, and possibly thousands of dollars, like Curtis has! Unlock the keys to huge credit card savingsFind the best rates and balance transfer offers—and make the most of them Fly anywhere, finance anythingUse credit cards to get free airline tickets and cash rebates or low-cost “creative financing” Don’t get ripped off—by your bank or anyone elseAvoid hidden fees, costly small print, and flat-out fraud Slash your debt, and cut your cost of creditStop throwing away money you could be saving or investing Acknowledgments xvii About the Author xxi   Chapter 1: It’s Not Just Plastic–It’s Money! 1 Chapter 2: Show Me the Money! Credit Card Rebates 23 Chapter 3: Unlock the Key to Huge Savings: Master Credit Card Rates and Transfer Offers 51 Chapter 4: Avoid Problems That Hinder Maximum Profits 75 Chapter 5: How to Slash Your Debt and Keep Your Hard-Earned Money for Yourself 89 Chapter 6: Watch Out: Traps and Scams Can Cost You Big Bucks! 119 Chapter 7: Start Out on the Right Foot–Credit Cards for Students and Saving for College 155 Chapter 8: Use Targeted Cards to Your Financial Advantage 179 Chapter 9: Your Credit Report and Score: The Better You Look, the More You Profit 209 Chapter 10: Maximize the Benefits of Your Cards by Taking Advantage of Additional Free Perks 237 Chapter 11: Master Advanced Card Techniques to Save and Make Money 259 Chapter 12: Capitalize on Future Card Trends 283   Glossary 301 Index 315