| During the 1920s the first ever credit card was | | | | payment, as agreed with the company. If the card |
| introduced in rural America and since its humble | | | | holder does not clear the balance they will be |
| beginnings the idea has spread rapidly to a point | | | | charged interest on the remaining sum. The amount |
| where it now dominates the credit market. These | | | | of interest to be charged varies widely depending on |
| iconic, rectangular plastic cards can be found in | | | | which supplier you use. |
| wallets and purses throughout the world, offering | | | | Increasingly, the design of UK credit cards and the |
| holders the chance to pay for purchases over a | | | | artwork they feature have become important to |
| period of time that best suits their individual needs. | | | | those who have them. There is a diverse array of |
| The growth in technology since the inception of | | | | facades in the public domain including cards with |
| credit-cards has allowed transactions to be made | | | | animals, racing cars, sports teams and even celebrities |
| anywhere on the globe, giving travellers a hassle free | | | | on them! |
| way of buying goods and services whilst in foreign | | | | Some credit-cards offer you loyalty bonus schemes |
| lands and reducing the chances of being a victim of | | | | where you receive points for every pound you |
| crime by removing the necessity to have large sums | | | | spend on your credit card and can be redeemed for |
| of cash in their possession. | | | | monetary vouchers to spend in your favourite |
| Retail stores now hold sales throughout the year - a | | | | high-street stores or other rewards such as |
| change from the past where they were held at a | | | | discounted airline travel or hotel stays. Similarly, for |
| predetermined time of year and allowed shoppers to | | | | those who wish to do some good for the wider |
| save up in order to splash out during sales and take | | | | community, some credit-card suppliers offer to make |
| advantage of great deals. Many stores now offer the | | | | donations to well known charities in whenever you |
| facility to get instant credit, thus equipping modern | | | | use your card. |
| shoppers with the financial ability to fully benefit from | | | | There are a number of attractive credit card deals |
| such impromptu opportunities and pay back the cost | | | | available offering initial low rates of interest or even |
| over a period of time to suit their financial situation. | | | | periods of interest free spending to lure customers |
| When you pay with a credit card, the retailer is given | | | | to sign up to their services. However, after a fixed |
| the full amount of the purchase by the credit-card | | | | period the level of interest usually increases, so with |
| company, who then in turn record this against your | | | | many suppliers fighting to gain your custom it is well |
| account balance. You are sent statement of your | | | | worth shopping around to compare the many |
| account at the end of each month which details all | | | | different credit cards on the market, to ensure you |
| your transactions, and asked to make a minimum | | | | get the best deal out there. |