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6 dealer options to skip when buying a car Advertiser Disclosure Advertiser Disclosure We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our mission is to help you make better financial choices by providing you with financial calculators and interactive tools, publishing original and objective content. This allows you to conduct research and compare data for free to help you make financial decisions with confidence. Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not restricted to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover. How We Earn money The products that appear on this website come from companies who pay us. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may be listed within the categories of listing in the event that they are not permitted by law. This applies to our mortgage home equity, mortgage and other home lending products. However, this compensation will not influence the information we publish, or the reviews that appear on this website. We do not include the vast array of companies or financial deals that might be available to you. Maskot/Getty
 
5 min read Read Published January 12, 2023
 
Ben Luthi Ben Luthi Written by Contributing writer Ben Luthi is a personal travel and finance writer who is passionate about helping others learn how to live life more fully. His work has been published in several publications such as U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, Yahoo! Finance, and many more. Written by Rhys Subitch Edited by Auto loans editor Rhys has been writing and editing for Bankrate from late 2021. They are dedicated to helping readers gain confidence to take control of their finances by providing clear, well-researched information that breaks down otherwise complex topics into manageable bites. The Bankrate guarantee
 
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In 1976, Bankrate was founded. Bankrate has a long history of helping people make informed financial decisions.
 
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There are money-related questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you manage your finances for more than four decades. We continually strive to give our customers the right advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life's financial journey. Bankrate adheres to strict standards standard of conduct, so you can rest assured that our information is trustworthy and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters provide honest and trustworthy content that will help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial team is accurate, truthful and is not influenced through our sponsors. We're honest about the ways we're able to bring quality information, competitive rates and helpful tools to you by explaining how we make money. Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We receive compensation for the promotion of sponsored goods and, services, or when you click on certain hyperlinks on our website. So, this compensation can influence the manner, place and when the products are listed within categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage home equity, mortgage and other home loan products. Other elements, such as our own website rules and whether a product is available within the area you reside in or is within your personal credit score may also influence how and where products appear on this site. We strive to provide a wide range offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit products or services. When you buy a new car, you deal with experienced sales professionals who will sell you extra items and other services. While some of these dealer options, upgrades and additional features can be worth the cost It's essential to be aware of the most detrimental dealer options when purchasing a vehicle to be able to steer clear of these. For instance, rustproofing VIN Etching and Extended Warranty are only a few of the options that may not be worth the money. What are the dealer options? Dealer options are accessories and equipment that to increase the sales price of the vehicle. There are three types of options that you can find: Factory-installed choices: Installed at the factory prior to shipping the vehicle into the retailer. Port-installed choices: On vehicles imported from overseas when they arrive at the port of entry. Dealer-installed options: Installed at the expense of the dealer when the vehicle is on the dealership's lot. Options that are made available at the factory or port are approved by the manufacturer of the vehicle and generally are covered under the warranty of the new vehicle. You'll see them on the official window sticker mandatory for new vehicles. Additionally, the price is identical, which means they'll not differ from dealer to dealer. However, dealer-specific options aren't approved by manufacturer and, therefore, aren't covered in the warranty. They are not listed on the manufacturer's official window sticker, but they should be detailed on a separate sticker attached to the vehicle. Because they're put in at the expense of the dealer the prices will vary based on the location. In general, many options offered by dealers are priced too high and used to increase the profits from new vehicle sales. 6 worst dealer options to avoid if you are considering buying a car, you need to verify the sticker on your vehicle for every option. While it is not common to negotiate factory- and port-installed options, there may be some leeway when you have options installed by a dealer. Here are the six worst dealer options to avoid when buying a car -- as well as the best alternative to look at. 1. Rustproofing Dealer-applied undercoating can cost as much as $600 or even $150, depending on the model of the car and the kind of treatment plan -- standard or premium, and whether it comes with an additional option, such as sound-deadening. It can be sold to prospective buyers of new cars as a separate option from the dealer or included in a costly bundle known as"environmental package. "environmental Protection Package" that can also include paint sealant as well as fabric protection. "Cars coming out of the factory are all rustproofed to perfection," says Mike Quincy, auto content specialist in the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center located in Colchester, Connecticut. "[Dealershave a reason to use this method because they can earn an acceptable amount of markup they can earn for the services." Why you should avoid it
 
All new cars already come with rustproofing, and some automakers will void the factory corrosion-perforation warranty if the car is undercoated by a third party.
 
2. Fabric protection A few dealers offer fabric protection that is designed to guard your seats from staining. "A number dealers will also offer you fabric protection, that is essentially a spray that they will apply -- a spray that costs them almost nothing, but for which they could be able to charge up to $100," Quincy says. What you can do to avoid it
 
"If you really need additional fabric protection, all you have to do is purchase a bottle of Scotchgard," says John Nielsen who is the director of national auto repair and buying at AAA.
 
3. Protection for paint This dealership choice is often advertised by salespeople in the showroom as a product that offers new cars a year-round no-wax shine that provides an extremely long-lasting protection against the elements. Protective paint sealant can cost the prospective buyer well over $200. Why you should skip it
 
Today, most automotive paints are durable finishes that benefit much more from regular washing and waxing, says Nielsen.
 
4. VIN etching VIN etching is a procedure that allows the creation of an adhesive plastic stencil that includes your car's identification number, or VIN. Then, you place the stencil on a window and then apply a specific acid solution that chemically melts, or etches, the VIN on the glass. VIN Etching can act as an deterrent to thieves as it makes it nearly impossible to earn a profit selling windshields or windows. It also makes it more difficult to locate a way to dispose of the car after it's been taken. In fact, it's a recommendation by police and agencies. Certain insurers may even give a discount on the extensive portion of your vehicle's insurance or eliminate your insurance deductibles if your car has the option. It's a straightforward process, but VIN engraving as a dealer option could cost the car buyer from $150 to $300. If you decide to do it yourself, you could cut off more than $100. What are the reasons to skip this step
 
If you're looking to perform VIN etching, it's cheaper to buy a kit that you can make yourself priced between $20 to $40 on the internet.
 
5. Extended warranties are an option for dealers, basic warranties automobile warranties start at just $1,000, and can easily go up to thousands of dollars for luxury and high-performance automobiles. Extended warranties offer bumper-to-bumper protection, covering everything on your vehicle from major system repairs, problems with heating or air, and engine troubles. Extended warranties are, however don't cover the components typically replaced. Plan price varies based on mileage, the term of coverage and the deductible level before signing off New vehicles typically already come with manufacturer warranties. If you're purchasing second-hand, you do not have to purchase a warranty when you buy the car -- this means that you have the option of shopping around for one if you're really interested in. What are the reasons to skip it
 
It's often better to use the money you would spend on a warranty extension to cover the recommended maintenance that your car needs.
 
6. Nitrogen in your tires No no matter the type of tire yours are filled with, whether oxygen or nitrogen, the four wheels pushing your vehicle will eventually deflate. Tires could lose air due to a hole within the tread area, weak seal, or even just general wear and tear on the vehicle. Many dealers will urge customers to add nitrogen to their tires, which could be as high as $200. Unless you are racing car driver who requires an increased pressure on your tires, the additional cost is not worth it. If you really want nitrogen, a visit to an auto body shop in your area will you cost $10 to $30 for a tire. The reason why you shouldn't
 
It is better to save your money and keep an eye out for any tire damage that will likely occur with vehicle age.
 
How to avoid dealer-added options The correct options on a vehicle can enhance your driving experience, and can even be beneficial when you're ready sell or trade it into. However, you don't have to take the dealer-installed choices you don't prefer. If you find that a vehicle you purchase has some dealer-added options you may ask the dealer to remove them and change the selling price of the vehicle in line with the changes. In certain situations, it isn't always possiblefor instance, if rustproofing or paint protection is already in place, it may not be removable. Try to of the vehicle as you would normally do if the dealer can't or won't remove an alternative. It's not a guarantee that this will be successful however, even showing an interest in negotiations could change the tone of the discussion. Consider, for instance, making contact with a different dealer in your area to see the price they would cost for specific services or see what it will cost you if you do it yourself. This could serve as a base for your negotiations. If the dealer won't negotiate much, or is unwilling to fully negotiate, you can choose to pay for the car in its current condition or walk away. Factory options are different from. choices from dealers Both factory options and dealer options are added costs you'll encounter when car shopping. Unlike dealer options, factory options aren't "added on" when you the time of purchase. The manufacturer manages these extras in the factory before the vehicle is delivered to the dealership. The factory options may include an alarm system, specific equipment including a spoiler or sophisticated engine setup. Both add-ons will increase the cost you pay, so think about the ones that are necessary and those you are able to skip. The bottom line Dealer-installed options aren't always worth it and so assessing the amount you're being charged is important. While dealers aren't always willing to take away the options they've installed or negotiate on the price, remember that these aren't the norm, and you don't have to agree with them. As with every other aspect of the car-buying process, and options from multiple dealers in your area to ensure that you get the best price available.
 
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Written by Contributing writer Ben Luthi is a personal writer of travel and finance who is passionate about helping others learn how to live their lives more fully. His work has appeared in a variety of publications such as U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, Yahoo! Finance, and many other publications. The article was edited by Rhys Subitch Edited by Auto loans editor Rhys has been writing and editing for Bankrate since the end of 2021. They are dedicated to helping their readers to control their finances with precise, well-researched and well-researched information that breaks down complicated topics into digestible pieces.
 
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Similar Articles: Auto Loans 5 minutes read in Mar 02, 2023. Auto Loans 5 min read October 10 2022. Auto read 6 min on Oct 06, 2022 Automobile Loans 5 minutes to read Sep 27 2022
 
 
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The Price of Not Being Banked Costing Hundreds of Dollars Every Year, Always one step Behind
 
 
Advertiser disclosure You're our first priority. Everytime. We believe everyone should be able make financial decisions without hesitation. Although our site does not include every company or financial product that is available on the market We're pleased of the advice we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent simple, and cost-free. How do we earn money? Our partners pay us. This can influence the products we review and write about (and the places they are featured on our website) However, it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in hundreds of hours of research. Our partners do not pay us to guarantee favorable ratings of their goods or services. .
 
 
The cost of not having a bank account is Hundreds of Dollars per Year, Always One Step behind.
 
by Tony Armstrong Lead Assigning Editor | Banking Tony Armstrong leads the banking team at NerdWallet. He has covered personal finances for over a decade. Tony began his NerdWallet career as a writer and worked his way up to assistant assigning editor and later to lead editor. The writing of Tony has been featured in such publications as the Los Angeles Times, MarketWatch, Mashable, Nasdaq.com, USA Today and VentureBeat. Tony is a resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Updated on Sep 13 in 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A majority of the products featured here are from our partners who pay us. This affects the products we feature and the location and manner in which the product is featured on a page. However, this does not affect our assessments. Our opinions are entirely our own. Here's a list of and .
 
 
 
 
Banks may be the cause of a lot of problems however, the lack of access to a bank is worse for your financial wellbeing. In the absence of an institution that provides basic services, such as check cashing , and loans that have reasonable interest rates, unbanked consumers depend on costly alternative financial service providers to cash checks and take out money orders. The accompanying fees cost these families hundreds of dollars each year.
 
On top of the high cost of living, not belonging to a bank or credit union can have negative long-term consequences. Unbanked households, as the FDIC defines as households that don't have an account at an insured institution, can't use savings accounts to build emergency funds and can't turn to time-saving tools for transactions like paying bills or transferring funds.
 
"The traditional banking system remains out of reach for millions of Americans," says Sean McQuay the NerdWallet's banking expert experts and expert on credit. "While it may seem like a daunting task to open an bank account can be the first step towards breaking this cycle that sees us living from paycheck to paycheck, and thus pave the way to financial independence."
 
More than of households that don't have the luxury of a bank account say the main reason is they do not have enough money. The median income after tax of these households is $18,203 according to NerdWallet's analysis of the data taken from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. The high costs associated with other financial services can only make matters more difficult.
 
There are also cheaper options and taking advantage of them can help people reduce unnecessary expenses.
 
Key findings
 
The average annual cost of having no bank account is $196.50 for those who have an prepaid debit card that includes direct deposit. The cost increases to $497.33 when the card doesn't provide direct deposit.
 
People who deal only with cash have annual costs of $198.83 for check cashing and money order services.
 
With approximately 9 million unbanked households in the United States, down from 9.5 million in 2013, the overall annual cost for these families is between $1.8 billion between $1.8 billion and $4.5 billion.
 
The absence of an bank account forces people to take advantage of other financial services. unbanked consumers are about 6 times as likely to make use of expensive .
 
 
Transacting "off grid" is expensive
 
"In many respects, you can equate the needs of unbanked households to those of households that are banked," says John Thompson, senior vice president at the Center for Financial Services Innovation which is a non-profit consultancy firm for financial services. Certain transactions require in order to be completed, but for those who don't have bank accounts, they don't happen through the bank, Thompson says. That's why they can be expensive.
 
Consider cashing a check for example. If you do it by a bank or credit union, the procedure is as simple as it is affordable. But that convenience vanishes if you don't belong to the traditional financial institution and alternatively, it can be hair-raisingly expensive.
 
Check-cashing companies typically charge between 1% and 10 percent of the value of a check which means that unbanked customers who don't have a prepaid card that offers direct deposit, pay an average of $182.03 per year just to access their funds, according to NerdWallet's analysis of FDIC data , and taking a fee of 1percent of the value of the check. People who don't have bank accounts are 6 times more likely use check-cashing services than people who have.
 
"Relying on services such as check cashing and money orders can be costly and it's the Americans who can't afford the cost and inconvenience that find themselves unbanked," McQuay says.
 
Instead for checking account, many customers make use of pre-paid debit cards. These can be found at grocery shops and at other stores like Target, Walgreens and Wal-Mart. This kind of plastic is relatively simple to use: Users can only spend the amount they have loaded onto the card.
 
Costs of checking accounts
 
These accounts, with less overdraft fees and have free monthly fees, will charge customers about $30 annually. A typical checking account costs customers about $150 per year after taking into account the monthly maintenance fees and two overdraft charges.
 
" Relying on services like money orders and check cashing is costly, and it's the Americans who can least afford these costs and hassles who find themselves unbanked. " Sean McQuay , NerdWallet banking and credit expert
 
 
However the prepaid cards tend to be more expensive than traditional checking accounts. They cost the equivalent of $179.70 or $298.50 annually, based on the card's the option of direct deposit for free. If it does not, cardholders face steep cash-loading fees. Also, prepaid cards typically come with monthly or per-transaction costs, along with ATM withdrawal charges.
 
A person who uses neither either a checking account or a prepaid card faces average annual fees of $198.83 for cashing checks and money order services.
 
In addition to their cost Prepaid cards also have other shortcomings. They aren't able to be used to build credit and the law in the US does not require prepaid cards to provide protection against fraud, like they do for standard debit cards. However, companies like American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa generally offer a certain number of protections for purchases but they don't offer protection for ATM and some online transactions.
 
What's more, most checking accounts are backed by the government, which means account holders wouldn't be able to lose any money, from $0 to $250,000, in the event that the institution went bankrupt. The people who use credit cards with a prepaid option are protected if their card is made by a banking institution, but even then they might not receive all of their money back. If they got their plastic from an issuer that's not insured by the FDIC and this is not uncommon, the issuer's rules determine the level of protection and whether they'd be paid back.
 
Indirect costs are a major factor, too
 
The pitfalls of not having the benefit of having a bank account go beyond the high costs of alternative financial services. First, being unaffiliated to a bank takes extra time. Unbanked consumers who don't use prepay cards aren't able to access to the numerous conveniences that come with mobile and online banking, like automatic bill payment and free money-transfer services. Prepaid cards might offer these options but they're not available for free, as are those provided by banks and credit unions.
 
"If you don't belong to an institution that offers financial services it isn't possible to bank on what you do," Thompson says, saying that this can force people to take time off work, which can affect their pay. If someone has to travel to take care of money-related chores, they incur transportation costs as well, Thompson says.
 
Being unable to utilize standard banking products hurts people in different ways, too. Banks provide access to tools that aid them in maintaining or improving their overall financial condition, such as deposits, certificates of deposit, and protected credit cards. They can, for instance assist in creating an emergency fund or develop credit, which will reduce the need for costly payday loans.
 
The average amount borrowed from payday lenders is just $350 as per a report the report. This is a figure that those who are members of a bank or credit union can build using a savings account or use a secured credit card to cover. That would allow the borrower to stay away from predatory loans which carry average interest rates of about .
 
With secured and savings cards, it's easy to maintain a healthy credit score. And the cost of borrowing is much less; the most popular secured credit cards typically have rates of at around 20%.
 
"We have technology that allows us to create data on people's credit habits," says Gregory B. Fairchild who is associate professor of administration for business in the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. "Absent these information, the real cost for people is that they're always at risk."
 
"Everyone's a chance," he says, however, the risk for those without credit histories "is highly uncertain."
 
And that risk can have an effect that trickles down to other areas of people's lives and affect their ability to take out credit cards, obtain credit and even start an enterprise.
 
Without a credit history entrepreneurs of small enterprises will have a difficult time obtaining credit lines, according to Tara Robinson, chief development officer at Mission Asset Fund, a non-profit that offers loans as well as other products for unserved families. The absence of a credit history can therefore restrict the potential of earning, she says.
 
"You are a bit stuck before you can even start," Robinson says.
 
Better options for consumers who aren't banked
 
If you do not have a bank account, it may seem as if expensive alternative financial services are your only alternatives. However, this isn't the case. Here are some strategies that are worth considering.
 
Utilize second-chance checking: If you have had a check bounce or closed an account before paying a bank fee, you may be included in a consumer report agency. A negative report is usually all it takes to get the bank to reject your application for opening a new account.
 
However, some banks offer second-chance checking accounts. These accounts eliminate the need to utilize check-cashing services or money orders, the latter of which are priced at around $17 annually. The products are accessible to people listed in ChexSystems. They can be used to re-establish an impeccable banking record. If you've accomplished that, think about opening an account for savings to help build and better manage your emergency funds. To open either account, you'll need show proof of identification, and may be asked to make an initial deposit of anywhere from $10 to $100.
 
>> MORE:
 
You can get a secured credit card: When you purchase a secured card you make an amount of money, usually at least $300 or $200, which you can then use to borrow. Once you've used your secured card responsibly for about one year, you could be given an opportunity to upgrade to a standard credit card.
 
Most importantly, you will have improved your credit score during the process, which makes you more appealing to lenders. This is assuming you, of course, you pay your monthly bills punctually and completely.
 
>> MORE:
 
Join an lending circle or work with a small community lender The process of borrowing money and paying it back punctually improves your credit rating, and borrowing traditional loans from banks and credit unions isn't your only option. Mission Asset Fund, Robinson's employer, manages and facilitates lending circles, which offer an exclusive type of zero-interest loan.
 
"Each loan is typically around $1,000," Robinson says. "You have 10 people working together and make a contribution of $100 per month, with one person getting the loan every month. The process continues until everyone is able to get their loan."
 
Like many organizations that supervise the lending circle, Mission Asset reports repayment behaviour to credit bureaus on a monthly basis. Anyone with no credit history who pay punctually can raise their scores to about 700 after just 6 months Robinson says.
 
"It's an opportunity for those with no credit scores to build credit fast and for those who have damaged scores , to assist in beginning building them up with a positive line of credit," she adds.
 
Look for any local community lender or a non-profit within your town that offers these kinds of loans or similar financial services.
 
>> MORE:
 
Incorporating the mainstream financial system
 
From depositing checks to using account savings, some of the motives that people turn to banks may not sound thrilling. Ultimately, though banks play an important role as foundations for families their financial lives. If you're not able to access to one, managing your money and taking care of daily financial obligations can be difficult and most likely to be more costly.
 
That's why second-chance checking accounts and secured credit cards community lenders and lending circles so valuable. They allow families access to financial services that they might otherwise be missing out on, thus paving the way to an improved financial security.
 
NerdWallet analysts of data Sreekar Jasthi and writer Spencer Tierney contributed to this study.
 
METRODOLOGY
 
To calculate the average income for unbanked households using information from the 2015 FDIC national survey of Underbanked and Unbanked Households. The survey found that 7% of households were unbanked. To calculate the cost of cashing checks for unbanked households using prepaid debit cards without direct deposit and unbanked households with cash only, we assumed two paychecks which were cashed every month as well as a 1% cost of the check's total value. We also assumed one money order sent per month with an average cost of $1.40.
 
For banking costs associated with using a NerdWallet-recommended checking account, we assumed two overdrafts per year costing $15 each and no other fees. For the average checking account, we estimated two overdrafts a year for $30 each as well as maintenance charges that are $7.50 monthly. To calculate average check cashing and money order charges, we used the FDIC's statistics on what frequency alternative financial services utilized by the households of different types (banked or not banked) and then used the lower frequency of use among banked households to the average costs.
 
To calculate the average annual cost of prepaid debit cards, we examined the 69 cards we examined, based on major issuersand high search volumes, Pew Charitable Trust's and the cards listed on the websites of and. For cards that offer different plans we included each plan as an individual card.
 
The report covers the annual costs associated with an prepaid debit card and without direct deposit for payroll. The median monthly fee was $4.98 The median out-of-network ATM cost was $2.50. We employed the maximum cash load fee of $4.95.
 
If you choose direct deposit we assumed 12 monthly fees along with two outside-of-network ATM costs per month. In the case of the non-direct deposit option we assumed 12 month fees and the four ATM fees per month and two cash load fees per month. Signature- and PIN-based purchase transaction fees are typically not applicable to cards that have monthly charges, which is why they were excluded.
 
 
 
 
The author's bio: Tony Armstrong is a banking editor at NerdWallet. His work has been highlighted on The Los Angeles Times, Mashable and USA Today.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Join us and we'll send you Nerdy articles about the financial topics which matter to you the most and other strategies to help you get more value from your money.
 
 
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Advertiser disclosure You're our first priority. Everytime. We believe that everyone should be able to make sound financial decisions without hesitation. And while our site doesn't feature every company or financial product that is available in the marketplace We're pleased that the advice we provide, the information we provide and the tools we develop are objective, independent easy to use and completely free. So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and the places they are featured on our website), but it in no way affects our advice or suggestions that are based on many hours of research. Our partners cannot promise us favorable review of their services or products. .
 
 
3 Credit Myths Common to Everyone that could hurt your score
 
A NerdWallet survey finds that Americans aren't aware of the basics of credit, which could affect your credit ratings.
 
Written by Erin El Issa Senior Writer | Data analysis, personal finance, credit card Erin El Issa writes data-driven studies about personal financial matters, credit cards, investment, travel, banking as well as student loans. She loves numbers and aims to make data sets understandable to help consumers improve the quality of their lives financially. Before she became an Nerd during 2014, she worked as an accountant for tax and freelance personal financial writer. Erin's writing has been featured as a result by The New York Times, CNBC, on the "Today" show, Forbes and elsewhere. In her free moments, Erin reads voraciously and struggles to keep up with her two children. Erin is from Ypsilanti, Michigan.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Published Oct . 4, 2022 6:00AM PDT
 
 
 
Editor: Kathy Hinson Lead Assigning Editor Personal finances, credit scoring financial management and debt Kathy Hinson leads the Core Personal Finance team at NerdWallet. Prior to joining NerdWallet, she worked for 18 years working at The Oregonian in Portland in roles including copy desk chief and team director of design and editing. Previous experience included news and copy editing for several Southern California newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times. She earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communications from The University of Iowa.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The majority or all of the products featured here are provided by our partners who pay us. This influences which products we feature and the location and manner in which the product is featured on the page. But, it doesn't affect our assessments. Our views are our own. Here's a list of and .
 
 
 
 
There is a lot of misinformation about financial matters and is damaging the credit rating of your. finds that Americans hold many misconceptions about their credit scores, some of which can seriously harm their credit scores. Three common credit score myths and ways to guard against them.
 
Myth 1. Leaving a balance on your credit card is great for your credit score
 
This is a sticky credit myth: Nearly half of Americans (46 percent) believe that putting an unpaid credit card balance is better for their scores than having it paid total, as per the study. But carrying a balance doesn't help your credit and can even be harmful if the balance is a large percentage of your credit limit. This is because it can increase the amount of credit you use (the extent to which your limit of credit is that you use), which significantly influences your score.
 
Another disadvantage of having the credit card is the expense of interest. Credit card debt -- which is incurred when you have the card in a state of balance even if you do it intentionallyis among the most expensive types of debt because of double-digit interest rates. Although you may believe that leaving a modest balance on your credit card isn't as costly, it could be due to .
 
If you don't pay off your entire balance by due date, interest will be assessed, but not just on the remaining balance. In fact, interest is calculated according to an average day-to-day balance of your card. If you've left a $10 balance for your credit card, but the average daily balance on your credit card for the month was $1000, interest is charged on the balance of $1,000.
 
You can combat this by paying off your balance by or before the due date, which can reduce the amount of credit you use and your the cost of your monthly payments.
 
Myth 2. Closing a credit line you don't use is good for your credit
 
The survey found that nearly half of Americans (46%) believe that closing a credit card they do not use will help their credit score. Maintaining a financial product that you don't use isn't logical but closing your credit card could damage your score.
 
The closing of a credit card could hurt your credit score by increasing the amount of credit you use. While there are a few motives to do so, in general the disuse of a credit card isn't enough of a reason to be a victim of the credit crunch.
 
Even if you don't cancel the credit card you use, issuer will eventually close any account that's not used for a specified period. To combat this issue, you can add an occasional fee -such as a monthly subscription -- to the card and set up autopay to wipe out the credit card balance each month.
 
Myth 3. A credit report won't affect your credit score
 
Over a quarter of Americans (28 percent) don't realize that a lender conducting a credit check could cause their credit score to go down, according to the study. There are two types of credit checks: a hard inquiry and a soft inquiry. When you check your credit it's considered a soft inquiry and doesn't affect your score. However, when a lender examines your credit score to determine whether you're creditworthy in relation to a financial product, it's a , and your score could go down.
 
There are exceptions. For instance, for certain financial products, such as a mortgage or auto loan the number of inquiries that are made within a short time frame can be considered one hard inquiry. The length of time for each inquiry varies depending on the credit scoring model used however, it is recommended to submit all applications within a period of two weeks. This is known by the term "rate shopping" and permits you to shop around for the most favorable loan terms.
 
However the process of applying for multiple credit cards in a short period doesn't fall under rate shopping and could cause a hard inquiry for every application. This is why keeping a limit on the number of applications you submit is a smart idea. Hard inquiries will remain in your credit file for two years. Therefore, before you apply for an additional credit card, ensure that it's accessible to people in your credit score range.
 
 
 
The author's bio: Erin El Issa is an expert in credit cards and writer on studies at NerdWallet. She has had her work featured in USA Today, U.S. News and MarketWatch.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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How to Start If You've Never Known About an Account with a Bank
 
by Spencer Tierney Senior Writer | Certificates of Deposit and ethical banking, as well as banking deposit accounts Spencer Tierney is a consumer writer for banking at NerdWallet. He has covered the personal financial sector since, with a focus on certificates of deposit, as well as other banking issues. His work has been highlighted by The Washington Post, USA Today, The Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times, among other publications. He is based in Berkeley, California.
 
 
 
 
 
 
The article was published on August 11, 2020 at 6:46AM PDT
 
 
 
Written by Carolyn Kimball Assigning Editor - Los Angeles Times, San Jose Mercury News Carolyn has worked in newsrooms around the nation as a reporter and editor. Her interests encompass personal finance, Sci-Fi novels and groovy Broadway musicals.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Managing your money without the need for a bank account is doable. However, it could be a challenge - and the COVID-19 epidemic has only added more.
 
The economic impact payment may have been received weeks or even months after the other one, in the form of a check or prepaid debit cards, because you couldn't choose the quicker delivery option of direct transfer into a bank account. If you've visited the shop recently you may have been required to pay by credit or debit card or in exact change due to a nationwide shortage of coins and worries regarding the spread of germs.
 
The opening of a bank account can make life simpler in these scenarios and many other situations. To avoid any future problems you should consider opening a bank accountor try it again if you've been rejected in the past. Here's how to get started.
 
Check your needs for money
 
If you're one of 14 million Americans with no bank account in the U.S. You may have a system that is working for you. It could be that you are the use of alternatives such as pre-paid debit cards or Check cashing companies. Financial advisor Brandy Baxter has worked with clients who used check cashing services to meet practical reasons.
 
"They prefer to walk in and leave with cash in hand," says Baxter the accredited financial advisor and financial coach, who runs the firm Living Abundantly in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
 
Check cashing establishments like Check 'n Go or ACE Cash Express may operate for longer hours than banks and have simple approval processes to get cash quickly. But they do charge high fees, which could be anywhere between 1% and 6 percent, or even more, of the check amount.
 
Bank accounts are able to meet your requirements for money that are not met by pre-paid cards or check cashing services are able to. For example, their fraud security can restrict the amount you're charged if you're victimized. Many accounts allow you to lock your debit cards remotely when stolen.
 
>> Tips on spotting fraud and scams How to spot scams and frauds:
 
After you've formed an association with a financial institution, you'll have other options are available such as credit cards as well as small or auto loans and other less expensive alternative to payday loans might be within reach.
 
Checking accounts "don't only aid in saving costs, they're also the first step to using various financial instruments," says David Rothstein director of Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund which manages BankOn an online platform in the United States that helps to increase financial inclusion.
 
Look for a financial institution that fits you
 
If you find banks to be intimidating or have had issues getting an account in the past you can open a bank account, community banks and credit unions tend to be more friendly than national banks. They tend to be mission-driven, for instance, they are focused on the financial health of their surrounding communities.
 
"We're extremely accommodating when it comes to giving people a second chance to try again," says Pedro Murillo, area branch manager in the San Francisco Bay Area for Self-Help Federal Credit Union. "If someone comes in to apply for an loan and does not have pay stubs, do they have anything else (can they) provide us? Perhaps a letter sent by (their) employer? We're not willing to surrender."
 
Like other credit unions, Self-Help requires that a member create a savings account in order to become a member; the minimum to open an account is typically just a few dollars. Members can then apply for other services, like a credit builder loan.
 
You can search online for the term "CDFI" which is a reference to Community Development Financial Institution -which is a reference to . Some require that those who join to be located in the same state in which the credit union or bank has branches.
 
What should you be aware of when applying
 
To create an account, you'll generally need the Social Security number, one or two identification documents and money for the first deposit.
 
It's typical to apply for two accounts with a bank at once: a checking and a savings account. The checking account allows access to debit cards as well as a bill payment system, among other services, while the savings account allows you to put money aside , and in the best case it will grow through earning interest.
 
Banks usually screen applicants on ChexSystems, a national reporting agency that records the details of accounts closed against the will of an individual. If you have lost access to a bank account in the past it is possible that you will be denied by other banks until you settle your ChexSystems file. This could mean the payment of debts to a bank or disputing errors on the record.
 
Once you're cleared, consider what banks call it a or a BankOn-approved checking account. Most of these do not charge fees for overdrafts, which occur if you attempt paying for something that will result in your balance going into the negative.
 
The process of opening a bank account involves some effort. Once you've been approved, finding a safe location for your money, and a better chance to get affordable loans will make it worth the effort.
 
"To have a checking account... is the foundation for any empowerment financial initiative," Rothstein says.
 
The article originated from NerdWallet and was first published through The Associated Press.
 
 
 
The author's bio: Spencer Tierney is a writer, and NerdWallet's expert for certificates of deposit. He has had his work featured by USA Today and the Los Angeles Times.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Private party auto loan: What it is and how to find one Advertiser Disclosure Advertiser Disclosure We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our mission is to help you make better financial choices by providing you with interactive financial calculators and tools, publishing original and objective content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare data at no cost - so you can make financial decisions with confidence. Bankrate has agreements with issuers, including but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover. How We Make money The products that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. This compensation could affect how and where products are displayed on this site, including, for example, the sequence in which they appear within the listing categories in the event that they are not permitted by law. Our loans, mortgages,, and other home lending products. This compensation, however, does affect the content we publish or the reviews that appear on this website. We do not contain the vast array of companies or financial offerings that could be open to you.
 
 
 
 
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5 min read published on October 13, 2022.
 
Authored by Rebecca Betterton Written by Auto Loans Reporter
 
 
Rebecca Betterton is the auto loans reporter for Bankrate. She has a specialization in helping readers in navigating the ways and pitfalls of taking out loans to purchase an automobile.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The edit was done by Rhys Subitch Edited by Auto loans editor
 
 
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Private party loans can be easier to get than traditional loans. However, lenders might charge higher because buying from an individual is considered more risky than purchasing from a dealer. In spite of the higher costs for private party auto loans, there are ways to find lenders that offer auto loans that you can afford. What is a private auto loan? A private party auto loan lets you finance a car that is sold through the proprietor, and not a dealer. The purchase of a car from an individual usually will result in a lower cost for the vehicle itself. But since they come with higher risk to the lender, they're not so widely accessible as other auto loans and, often they're accompanied by greater interest. "Because due to the nature of private-party sales, rates tend to be higher than you would get if you visited the dealership," says Strati Papageorge, senior vice president of product management for autos at PNC Bank. "But the benefit for the customer is usually lower prices for vehicles and they are able to have an affordable price." There are methods to mitigate the drawbacks associated with private party auto loans and to find the lender that will offer an auto loan that you are able to be able to afford. How a private party auto loan is a good idea Your budget as well as the local availability of used cars are one of the main factors to think about. Luckily, the actual financing process is very similar to shopping for an used or new car at a dealer. Create a budget To create your budget, start with your credit history and score to determine the loan amount you could be eligible for. When you are aware of the condition of your credit score, it will be simpler to determine what you'll be able to pay for out of pocket and also determine the amount you will need to finance. Compare lenders Once you know the type of vehicle you plan to purchase, search for lenders that provide private party auto loans. Compare rates of interest, loan terms, monthly payment, penalties and fees. Since private party loans tend to be more costly so, you should apply for preapproval prior to you start looking. So, you'll be aware of what you are able to pay and how much you can expect to pay every month. Choose a vehicle Private sales are typically limited to inventory in the local area, so you should have a few options in mind when searching for a second-hand vehicle. Check the cost-to-own estimates from reliable sources such as Edmunds as well as Kelley Blue Book. They can guide you towards a reliable vehicle. You may be able to utilize a national site to find the right vehicle, but travelling for a test drive and purchase -- as well as dealing with transfer of title outside of the state can be more trouble than the car's value. When you're ready to buy from a private seller check out your state's laws regarding title transfers. They should be on the state's Department of Motor Vehicles' website. Complete the transaction after you have found a vehicle, and sign the loan agreement the lender will send the check directly to you or the seller. If either you or the seller decide to use direct deposit, make sure the seller knows that transferring funds can take a few days. Your lender will give you payment due dates and an estimate of how much of the money goes to principal and interest each month. If you are able, go for autopay. It is a great method to ensure that you make payments on time, without having to send an unintentional check or logging in to an online portal. Be sure to verify that your payment has been processed every month. Where can you find private party auto loans The majority of large financial institutions -- like community banks as well as local credit unions and online lenders offer private party auto loans.The vehicle will need to be in compliance with certain criteria. For example, lenders generally will require the car to be less than 10 years old with fewer than 100,000 miles. Other lenders may have an upper limit on the loan amount. If the car you'd like is valued at $6,000 and the lender isn't able to provide loans that small, you will have look for a different lender. Take note of the lender's requirements before submitting a request for a private-party auto loan to avoid taking a hit to your credit rating for a loan you're not eligible for. How to apply for a private party auto loan Once you have found the vehicle you want to purchase from a private seller, ensure you provide the lender with basic information about yourself that include: your full name, birthdate, address, Social Security number, and contact details. Employment and income information. Current debt obligations, such as a mortgage. You should also have certain documents and details about the car you are planning to purchase, such as: Make and model, model year and mileage. The VIN, or vehicle identification number. or VIN. The bill of sale which outlines the purchase agreement. Copy of the vehicle registration. Copy of the title to the vehicle. A written payment quote of the vendor's lender If applicable. If your credit score isn't great it's best to hold off buying until you're . It won't change your credit score from bad to excellent, but it can make enough of a difference to save you money on the interest rate and the monthly payment. 4 reasons to consider an alternative to a private loan Although private-party auto loans might have higher interest rates than conventional auto loans There are a few advantages to staying away from a dealer. There are better deals on vehicles Prices for sales from tend to be less expensive than those at auto dealerships. When you get a private party auto loan it gives you the advantages of financing the same way that you can at a dealer and the savings that the private sale has to provide. It might be cheaper than the personal loan which is more likely to be more expensive since it's not secured. A lender assumes more risk with no collateral to secure the loan in the event of a default by the borrower. They offer flexibility: Rather than being limited to what dealerships offer, you can get the car you desire at a cost you can manage from a private dealer. There are loan options for bad credit: Even those with poor credit could be eligible for private party auto loans. But , as with all loans for borrowers who have bad credit, they come with higher rates of interest and monthly payments and the overall cost being higher. Alternatives to private car loans If you did not receive approval or can't find an auto loan that is compatible with the vehicle you're planning to purchase You have other options that to purchase via a private seller. Compare personal loans The best alternative to a private auto loan would be an . With unsecured personal loans that are secured, the lender will look at your credit score and income to determine loan approval. The vehicle will not be a factor in the decision to approve. This may be a good option in the event that the car you want to buy is too old or has excessive miles. The car is bought using an salvage title. The minimum loan amount is more than you want to take out. Although an individual loan may give you the opportunity to buy the vehicle you want but it's likely to have more interest than a private-party auto loan and could result in a higher cost in the end. Visit a dealer Dealers may have higher prices over private sales, however it's much more straightforward to get a loan. If you've been turned down for private auto loan Check to see if are eligible for financing in-house offered by the dealer. It is possible to qualify for a used auto loan from an existing lender that previously rejected you for a private loan. Build your savings If you are not in a rush , or aren't able to locate the perfect private sale yet making savings. The more money you put toward a car, the less you'll have to spend overall. In addition, if you're contemplating older, lower-cost models that aren't eligible for a traditional loan it isn't necessary to take on more risks by financing the vehicle with the help of a personal loan. The bottom line Private party auto loans are a fast, relatively pain free alternative to buying a car outside of the high-pressure environment of a dealership. They're not as popular, but you will still be able to locate competitive options from a variety of lenders. Also, since the prices for private purchases are less than dealership prices it is possible to save money.
 
 
 
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Written by Auto Loans Reporter
 
 
Rebecca Betterton is the auto loans reporter for Bankrate. She is a specialist in helping readers with the ways and pitfalls of taking out loans to purchase a car.
 
 
 
 
Editor: Rhys Subitch Edited by Auto loans editor
 
 
Rhys has been writing and editing for Bankrate from late 2021. They are dedicated to helping readers gain the confidence to take control of their finances by providing clear, well-researched information that breaks down complicated topics into digestible chunks.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Debt Settlement: How It Does It and the Risks You Take
 
 
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Credit Settlement: How it Works and Risks You Face
 
By Bev O'Shea personal finance writer | MSN Money, Credit.com, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Orlando Sentinel Bev O'Shea is a former NerdWallet authority on consumer credit, scams and identity theft. She has a bachelor's degree in journalistic studies from Auburn University and a master's in education from Georgia State University. Prior to joining NerdWallet, she worked for the daily papers, MSN Money and Credit.com. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, MarketWatch, USA Today, MSN Money and other publications. Twitter: @BeverlyOShea.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Updated on Jun 24, 2022 at 10:58AM PDT
 
 
 
Edited by Kathy Hinson Lead Assigning Editor Personal financial, credit scoring, financial management and debt Kathy Hinson leads the Core Personal Finance team at NerdWallet. Previously, she spent 18 years with The Oregonian in Portland in capacities such as chief of the copy desk and team director of design and editing. Prior experience includes news and copy editing at various Southern California newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times. She earned a bachelor's degree in mass communications and journalism in The University of Iowa.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Debt settlement means a creditor has accepted less than the amount you have to pay as full payment. Once it accepts that deal it is no longer able to pursue you for amount and you won't have to worry about the possibility of be sued for that specific debt.
 
It seems like a great deal however, debt settlement could be risky:
 
Debt settlement can destroy your credit.
 
A settlement may take a long time to complete -- usually between two and four years.
 
It isn't cheap.
 
 
If you're successful in settling your debt, it can take years to complete and you could discover you owe tax upon any unpaid debt. If you choose to use a debt settlement company and pay for fees, you'll have to pay. This is the last option.
 
Find your debt in a simple way
 
Sign up with NerdWallet to view your current debt breakdown and upcoming payments all in one place.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
How do you deal with debt
 
 
 
The process of debt settlement is only if you have a lot of late or skipped payments and possibly collections accounts. The collector or creditor will not accept less than you owe If there's any evidence that suggests you may not have the amount have previously agreed to.
 
Your confidence has been destroyed and you'll be feeling hopelessly behind and your income will not be enough to meet all your obligations to creditors.
 
Companies that deal with creditors to lower the amount you owe for debts that are not secured, such as credit cards. This is not an option for some kinds of debts for example, a home that is foreclosed or a car that can be repossessed. The majority of companies do not settle federal student loans however you might be eligible to . If you're struggling with your student loans, an might help you.
 
Settlement offers work only when you don't pay at all, so you cease making payments to your debts. Instead, you create an account for savings and make the monthly installment into it. When the company that settles your account believes the account has enough for a lump-sum offer, it talks on your behalf to the creditor to accept a smaller amount.
 
Readers can also ask questions.
 
Do debt consolidation loans hurt your credit?
 
 
The debt consolidation process can improve your credit if it helps you pay on time or decreases balances on revolving accounts particularly if your credit card balances were near their limits. Your credit if you run up credit card balances again shut down all or most of your other cards or miss a payment on the credit consolidation loan.
 
 
 
 
 
How can I cut down my credit card debt?
 
 
Debt settlement and bankruptcy can decrease or erase credit card debt but they severely impact your credit score. The management of debt reduces interest ratesand the impact on your credit is less severe. This can lower the rate of interest as well.
 
 
 
 
 
How can I cut down my credit card?
 
 
Reduce your debt in three steps: 1. Determine the amount you owe. 2. Assess which payoff strategy will best suit your needs. 3. Set a goal and track your performance.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The risk of debt settlement
 
 
 
Some companies offering debt settlement say they can reduce credit by up to 50% and make debt-free in just 36 months.
 
However, the procedure isn't as simple as it seems. In our opinion, it is a last resort.
 
Here are the risks that come with the settlement of debt:
 
Your credit score will be affected If you're still not in debt on your accounts and you're not, you'll be after you divert debt payments toward the settlement account. Debts that are owed and owing off by lenders stay on your credit for seven years.
 
Penalties and interest will continue to accumulate: You'll most likely be hit with late charges as well as penalty fees. Interest will continue to accrue on your balance.
 
There's no guarantee of success: The two largest debt settlement firms are . Freedom Debt, for instance, says it has settled more than $10 billion worth of debt for more than 650,000 customers since 2002. There's no assurance that the debt settlement company will be able to settle your debt for much less, given that some creditors are not negotiating with them.
 
According to a study conducted by the Center for Responsible Lending, which is a non-profit research and policy institute that surveyed consumers, the majority would need to settle at least four accounts in order to get the net benefit. In addition, debt totals may rise as fees accrue and aggressive collection efforts could continue throughout the negotiation process.
 
There is an amount in the event of a debt being settled: By law, these businesses are not able to charge you up front fees. They typically charge a percentage of every settlement, which is based on that amount of debt at the time you joined in the program. Some charge a portion of the debt eliminated by the settlement.
 
For instance, let's say you owe $10,000 to the agency and an agency agrees to negotiate a settlement of $6,000. The agency will charge 25%.
 
If the agency charges a percentage of debt that is settled then you'll pay the creditor $6,000 while paying an agency $2500 in charges (25 percent of the total balance enrolled). Total: $8,500.
 
If the agency charges a percentage of eliminated debt, you'd pay the lender $6,000 and the agency $1,000 in charges (25% of the $4,000 debt that was eliminated). Total: $7,000.
 
 
You'll pay additional fees In addition to the fees that are paid to when a debt settles the customer may also be subject to other fees, such as the setup fee and the monthly cost to maintain the dedicated account set up under the program.
 
Forgiven debt may be taxable Also, you should know that Internal Revenue Service generally regards forgiven debt as income. You might want to talk to an accountant about any additional tax obligations you'll be taking on if you settle your debt.
 
If you decide to enlist the services of the debt settlement expert Be cautious. It's easy to fall into a state of panic when you're feeling desperate and are able to see the promises from . It's been reported that the National Consumer Law Center has said debt settlement companies are "almost never worthwhile and can lead consumers into deeper financial troubles."
 
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau takes a somewhat softer view, however, it warns consumers to be cautious, saying that dealing with such companies is risky and that other options should be explored before. There have been over 350 complaints filed against companies that deal in debt to the CFPB in the last year. The most frequent complaints included fraud and fees that were too high.
 
Other options to settle debt
 
 
 
Michael Bovee, a debt settlement coach and a frequent critic of his field (he has testified before the Federal Trade Commission in favor of greater regulation), advises erasing your debts with Chapter 7 bankruptcy and starting over, if you're given the option.
 
For those who are burdened with debts that are not secured like credit cards consider how your options compare, like . A is almost always a better option. A bankruptcy can ruin your credit for a long time however, the process of rebuilding is able to begin right away. Consultations with bankruptcy attorneys are typically free, though you'll pay legal and filing fees if you decide to go this route.
 
"If you can erase your debts in bankruptcy, such as a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, that's a much better option than trying to settle agreements," says NerdWallet columnist Liz Weston, author of "Your Credit Score" and "Deal with your debt." "Only if Chapter 7 isn't an option -- you refuse to file for bankruptcy, or you can only be eligible for a Chapter 13 repayment plan -or if you're considering debt settlement."
 
If you're not eligible to file a bankruptcy, or don't want to make one happen, you might consider an offer through a non-profit . Going that route will not generally reduce the amount that you must repay but it can decrease your monthly payment by stretching them out or by reducing your interest rate. It will have less impact on your credit than either bankruptcy or an agreement to settle debts.
 
If you decide to pursue settlement, you can do so.
 
 
 
If you think it is the best or most appropriate choice for you and would like some help in the process of pursuing the debt resolution option, Bovee has tips for choosing a company wisely:
 
Check with the to see the complaint history.
 
Avoid any business who offers money in advance or promises your debt can be settled.
 
It is important to structure fees in a proportion of debt canceled instead of debt balance at enrollment. This provides the business with a reason to cut down on your debt.
 
Beware of companies who promise to help you challenge debts in order to declare them "invalid" (a tactic that can backfire and result in more aggressive actions against you).
 
 
If you're not planning to engage a debt-settlement firm think about hiring a lawyer or making it your own.
 
Lawyers can bill by the hour, offer one flat fee per creditor, or be charged a percentage of debt or debt that is eliminated.
 
If you're seriously behind, it usually doesn't hurt to reach out to your creditors. Some banks have hardship programs which could be able to assist. But be certain you can manage any lower payment options the bank might offer.
 
If you want to try , educate yourself on what's likely to happen.
 
It is possible to collect as much cash as you can in order to make a lump sum offer, which could mean working part-time, selling sports equipment which has been sat in the basement, or borrowing money from your friend. (Creditors might be more likely to accept a lump-sum deal as it allows them to pay quickly, instead of risking payments that might not come.) Be aware that certain creditors might have a policy against settlement of the debt.
 
 
 
 
The author's bio: Bev O'Shea is a former credit writer at NerdWallet. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, MarketWatch and elsewhere.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Which Credit Card Rewards Can be used for Apple Purchases?
 
 
Advertiser disclosure You're our first priority. Everytime. We believe that everyone should be able make financial decisions with confidence. Although our site does not include every company or financial product that is available in the marketplace however, we're confident that the guidance we offer as well as the advice we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward -- and completely free. So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This could influence the types of products we write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it doesn't affect our advice or suggestions that are based on hundreds of hours of research. Our partners do not pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. .
 
 
(image: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BiZrX9hPWEI/hq720.jpg)Which Rewards Credit Cards Can Be Used for Apple Purchases?
 
A lot of issuers let you redeem points in exchange for Apple merchandise and gift cards. While it might not offer the best value, using points could help you save money.
 
by Craig Joseph Lead Writer | Credit cards, Travel rewards, Personal financial Craig Joseph is a NerdWallet chief writer and credit card expert. He holds degrees in geology from West Virginia University and oceanography from Oregon State University and has been published in academic journals, newspapers and blogs. Craig is passionate about personal finance and is determined to improve his financial knowledge of everyone he meets. He'll probably also try to convince you why rocks are cool.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Updated Dec . 19, 2022 at 9:08AM PST
 
 
 
Editor: Erin Hurd Assistant Assigning Editor Credit cards, rewards financial planning, personal finance Erin is an expert in credit cards and travel rewards expert at NerdWallet. She has spent more than two decades showing readers unique methods to increase their investment and personal financial resources. Before joining NerdWallet, Erin worked on many magazines and newsletters in the areas of investing, health, business and travel for Agora Publishing. Her passion for travel has led her to develop a love for loyalty and credit card rewards to subsidize trips, and she loves to teach others how to make use of the power of credit card rewards. When she's writing or editing, Erin is planning her next adventure for her four children using points and miles. She is based in Baltimore, Maryland.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The majority or all of the items featured on this page are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we review and where and how the product is displayed on the page. But, it doesn't influence our opinions. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of and .
 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS : Vast marketplace filled with sellers of cell phones Many pre-owned phones that ship Prime : A great marketplace for those looking to buy or sell one of the first reliable cell phone resellers and Show More
 
 
 
If you're shopping to purchase an Apple product and have points that are accumulating dust, using points towards a purchase might be a great way to keep some cash in your wallet. But, you should be aware that the points might have greater value when redeemed for travel.
 
A list of reward programs that allow redemptions for Apple products and gift cards are listed below.
 
 
In cases where you can redeem points to purchase gift cards at the same time that you can for money back, or even a credit to your statement, it's probably better to buy the Apple product in full and then use the points to pay back. In this way, you'll earn rewards on the purchase, and also receive benefits that you won't get when you purchase using a gift card.
 
>> MORE:
 
Credit card reward program
 
 
 
 
The value of the points on merchandise, expressed in cents
 
 
 
 
Gift cards point value in cents
 
 
 
 
Chase Ultimate Rewards(r)
 
 
 
1.
 
 
 
1.
 
 
 
U.S. Bank(r) Reward
 
 
 
0.85.
 
 
 
1.
 
 
 
Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) Rewards
 
 
 
0.6-0.8.
 
 
 
0.85.
 
 
 
Barclays Rewards
 
 
 
0.3-0.5.
 
 
 
0.5.
 
 
 
American Express Membership Rewards
 
 
 
N/A.
 
 
 
0.85.
 
 
 
Capital One Rewards
 
 
 
N/A.
 
 
 
1.
 
 
 
Citi ThankYou Points
 
 
 
N/A.
 
 
 
1.
 
 
 
Credit Card Rewards from Bank of America
 
 
 
N/A.
 
 
 
1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nerdy Tip
 
It earns Apple Cash which can be used for purchases at any retailer, not just Apple or for cash deposits into the bank account. It's really a cash-back card, so it isn't listed on our list.
 
 
 
>> MORE:
 
1. Chase Ultimate Rewards(r)
 
The program offers the best value of any rewards system for redemption toward Apple products. Points are worth one cent apiece for both gifts and merchandise. That means 10,000 points are worth $100.
 
However, frequent use can boost the percentage of redemption for products by 10%, 25 percent, or even 50% depending on the type of card you're using. If you are able to delay your purchase till one of the offers is accessible, you'll get more value from your points than you would for a statement credit card or an Apple gift card.
 
If you don't have enough points to pay for a purchase via The Ultimate Rewards(r) portal, Chase will let you use any points you've earned (as as long as they pay for a minimum of 20% of the total amount) and then charge the rest of the cash balance to your card.
 
However, note that these options are lower than the NerdWallet puts on Chase Ultimate Rewards(r) when transferred to travel partners instead.
 
>> MORE:
 
2. U.S. Bank rewards
 
U.S. Bank rewards earned through these cards Altitude and FlexPerks card suites can be used to purchase Apple gift cards and merchandise.
 
The redemption of merchandise is possible through the Apple Rewards Store within the U.S. Bank Rewards Center and where points cost about 0.85 cents per piece based on retail prices in the Apple store. That means 11,764 points are worth $100 when exchanged for goods.
 
However, when they are redeemed for gift cards, points are worth 1 cent each. Cards are offered in increments of $10, $25, $50, and $100. It means that 10,000 points will be worth $100 when used to purchase gift cards. Some limited-time offers may offer more favorable rates for redemption than this.
 
U.S. Bank rewards are worth 1 cent apiece when they are redeemed for the purpose of a statement credit or a transfer to a bank. So unless there's a promotional incentive to use points at the time of your redemption, you'd prefer to purchase your Apple equipment using your credit card to earn rewards on the purchase and then making use of your points stash to cover the cost with a statement credit. It also provides you with the benefit of being able to shop at any retailer -- not only through Apple.
 
>> SEE:
 
3. Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) Rewards
 
PenFed provides two credit cards that earn points redeemable in exchange for Apple merchandise and gift cards.
 
As of October 2022, the redemption of merchandise can be made by navigating to the menu and then selecting an Apple Rewards banner. Based on retail prices from Apple's Apple store, the redemptions for merchandise result in a point value of between 0.6 cents and 0.8 cents per cent.
 
Points are worth 0.85 cents each when they are exchanged for gift cards. They can be purchased in the denominations $25 or $50, $100, and $250. That means 11,764 points are worth $100 when redeemed to purchase gift cards.
 
There's no way to convert PenFed Rewards to cash, however, they can be used to make travel expenses at a cost of 1 cent apiece.
 
If you're looking to burn your reward on a new MacBook or AirPods, you'll benefit the most by using gift cards to redeem them, and then using them to make the purchase.
 
>> MORE:
 
4. Barclays rewards
 
Applications are currently unavailable for new cardholders looking for Barclays rewards. But legacy cardholders of any Barclays Arrival cards or Barclays Arrival cards and those who were transferred by a change in product to that of the Barclays View Mastercard are still eligible to earn and redeem rewards.
 
If you own such a card, you can earn rewards can be cashed in for Apple gift cards with an exchange rate of 0.5 cents per piece. That's 10,000 points worth $50 when exchanged for gift cards, which are available in denominations such as $100, $25, $100, and $250.
 
You may also use your rewards directly for Apple merchandise, but a gift card will generally provide greater value. Based on prices for retail directly from Apple the rate of redemption for products will vary between 0.3 cents and 0.5 cent per point.
 
They are far below the baseline value of 1 cent per point cardholders can earn when they use Barclays rewards to get statements credit towards travel purchases. Even if you're short on cash, you'd probably prefer to cover the cost of an airline ticket or hotel room with rewards and purchasing Apple equipment outright.
 
5. American Express Membership Rewards
 
American Express Membership Rewards can be used to purchase Apple gift cards at an exchange rate of 0.85 cents per piece. The gift cards are available for purchase in the denomination of $1, $10 $25, $50, $100 and $500. The points earned are worth $100 when you redeem them for gift cards. Like other issuers, AmEx also releases limited-time offers that increase the value of points redemptions for gift cards.
 
Although this rate is higher than the 0.6 cent per point cardholders receive when they redeem their Membership Rewards points for an account credit on their statement but it's still less than the baseline value of 1 cent per point by using points to book travel through AmEx. AmEx Travel portal. And if you're an optimizer, both the rates are considerably lower than the value that NerdWallet assigns to Membership Reward points when transferring on to partners for travel.
 
>> LEARN:
 
6. Capital One Rewards
 
Points earned on Capital One cards (called miles) can be used to purchase Apple gift cards at a redemption value of 1 cent apiece. This means that 10,000 miles are worth $100 when used to purchase gift cards. Gift cards are offered with denominations starting at $25 $100, $50, $100, and $200. Similar to other issuers, occasionally, limited-time promotions can offer an increased rate of redemption.
 
But Capital One miles can also be used to purchase money back, or as a statement credit at a value of 1 cent for each point. If you're looking to purchase Apple products, you'd probably prefer to charge the purchase to your credit card and earning credit card rewards in exchange for covering the purchase price with a statement credit or cash-back redemption. Additionally, this has the advantage of being able to shop at any retailer -- not just directly through Apple.
 
>> MORE:
 
7. Citi ThankYou Points
 
They can be exchanged for Apple gift cards at a value of 1 cent each. Gift cards are available in denominations of $25, $50 and $100. That's 10,000 points worth $100 when they are exchanged for gift cards. This redemption value is equal in cashback to ThankYou points when they are redeemed directly into the bank account or for a statement credit.
 
Instead of redeeming points for gift cards it's better to consider buying that new Mac Mini with your credit card and earn ThankYou points on your purchase; then redeeming your ThankYou points to get an account credit to offset the purchase.
 
>> MORE:
 
8. Bank of America(r) rewards
 
Points earned through Bank of America(r) credit cards can be exchanged to purchase Apple gift cards at the rate of 1 cent per point. That means 10,000 points are worth $100 when exchanged for gift cards. These cards are available in denominations such as $25 50, $100, $150, $200, $250 and $500.
 
The Bank of America(r) points can also be used to purchase an account credit on a statement or a cash transfer to the account of a deposit with the rate of 1 cent each. So if you have an abundance of Bank of America(r) rewards that you'd like to use for a brand-new iPhone however, you're better off making the purchase with your credit card that earns rewards and then recouping the cost with the help of a statement credit. In this way, you can also shop around for the most affordable price and not be forced to purchase the item directly through Apple.
 
>> SEE:
 
 
 
The author's bio: Craig Joseph is a NerdWallet expert on credit cards. The work of his has been highlighted on The Associated Press, Washington Post and San Francisco Chronicle.
 
 
 
 
 
Methodology
 
The valuations presented herein are calculated in cents per point (cpp) when multiplying the cost in dollars of an item by 100 and dividing by the number of points required.
 
Valuations presented herein are based on daily points redemption rates. They do not include limited-time promotions.
 
All valuations of merchandise are based on prices taken straight from the Apple Store.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On a similar note...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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The smartest money moves to help Black Americans in Financial Distress
 
 
Advertiser disclosure You're our first priority. Every time. We believe that every person should be able to make sound financial decisions without hesitation. Although our website does not contain every financial institution or product that is available, we're proud that the advice we provide, the information we provide and the tools we develop are independent, objective simple, and cost-free. So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This can influence the products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site) However, it in no way affects our advice or suggestions, which are grounded in many hours of research. Our partners cannot be paid to ensure positive review of their services or products. .
 
 
Smart Money Strategies to help Black Americans in Financial Distress
 
Written by Sean Pyles Senior Writer | Personal finances and financial debt Sean Pyles leads podcasting at NerdWallet as the host and producer of NerdWallet's "Smart Money" podcast. The show "Smart Money," Sean talks with Nerds from NerdWallet's NerdWallet Content team to answer listeners' personal finance questions. With a focus on thoughtful and practical advice on money, Sean provides real-world guidance that can help consumers better the financial situation of their lives. Beyond answering listeners' money concerns on "Smart Money" Sean also interviews guests outside of NerdWallet and produces special segments to explore topics like the racial inequality gap as well as how to get started investing, and the background of student loans.
 
Before Sean lead podcasting for NerdWallet He also covered issues related to consumer debt. His writing has been featured in USA Today, The New York Times and elsewhere. When Sean isn't writing about personal finance, Sean can be found playing in the garden, taking runs , and taking his dog on long walks. He lives at Ocean Shores, Washington.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Updated February 5, 2018
 
 
 
Editor: Hanah Cho Vice President Personal finance Hanah Cho, Vice President for Content. She led multiple NerdWallet teams focused on personal finance before becoming director and deputy director. She began her career at NerdWallet as a writer covering small business. Prior to that, she wrote about startups and business at The Dallas Morning News, and previously was a business writer for The Baltimore Sun. She was also treasurer of the Texas Chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A majority of the items featured on this page come from our partners who pay us. This affects the products we review as well as the place and way the product appears on the page. However, this does not affect our opinions. Our opinions are our own. Here's a list of and .
 
 
 
 
Credit card debt that is at record levels and fluctuating incomes create financial problems for the majority of American households, and particularly those who earn less. The impact of this can be particularly acutely felt in black households, where historic and systemic racial discrimination has led to higher disparities in wealth as well as debt.
 
However, there are steps that families facing such hardships can make to better their finances, including improving their credit score and looking for alternatives to the risky products such as .
 
Deeply rooted disparities of wealth and debt
 
Wealth and debt disparities feed into one another According to Pamela Chan, project director of human insights at Prosperity Now, a nonprofit located in Washington, D.C.
 
"If you are a person who doesn't have lots of wealth ... then , when emergency situations arise, that usually makes people rely on debt to make it through the times," Chan says. "Then after someone has taken on the loan, especially if they don't have a lot of money, they're more vulnerable if something happens when they're trying pay off their debt."
 
Discrimination in the workplace against the generations of black Americans and the ramifications of this have contributed to black households having greater financial difficulties than white households, Chan says.
 
This wage disparity is one illustration. As of 2015, black men earned 22 percent less than whites with, for example, the same education, experience and location of residence, a 2016 report from Economic Policy Institute Economic Policy Institute found.
 
In 2016 the median wealth of white families was almost 10 times that of the median wealth of black families- $171,000 compared to $17,600 according to the Federal Reserve's 2017 Survey of Consumer Finances.
 
How to improve finances to build wealth
 
is the first step toward creating wealth. Before making any decisions an accredited financial advisor from Michigan Weslia Echols recommends planning a long-term strategy.
 
"The first thing I'd like individuals to do is to take a deep breath. Once you've done that and look at the situation thoroughly, you won't look for an instant answer such as an payday loan," Echols states. "Getting free of financial debt can be a long-term process."
 
Echols recommends setting up a clear budget and payoff strategy. Here are some suggestions to enhance your financial profile.
 
Build your credit Your credit score and report count among the more vital aspects of your financial health. If they're in good state, you'll become more appealing to lenders, increasing your access to credit with lower interest rates. NerdWallet offers both a and credit score that's regularly updated.
 
Begin by examining your account for any incorrect information, such as an account that's not really yours which could lower your score.
 
You can then begin to increase your score by making on-time payments on all accounts, including the credit card and loans; payment history is the most significant factor affecting it. The credit bureau Experian advises keeping your or the percentage of the credit limit you have -- below 30%.
 
Be strategic about debt Be aware of your debt: In 2017, the Survey of Consumer Finances shows that families with black parents are more likely to carry ratios of debt-to-income -- how much debt you have compared to your income greater than 40%, which is an indicator of financial stress, according to the Federal Reserve. Nine percent of families from black households had DTIs over 40%, while it was 6percent for white households.
 
Control your debt as efficiently as you can as you can and repay it more quickly by lowering the interest rate. Transferring the balance onto a zero-interest credit card is an option for borrowers with solid credit.
 
If you don't qualify for such a card Consider whether a will help you to pay down your credit card debt quicker and more affordably. If your monthly debt payments exceed your income by half it is recommended to consult with a lawyer about what's best for you. Though it doesn't erase all kinds of debt however, it could give you a fresh start and aid in meeting other financial goals like saving for retirement. Websites such as LawHelp.com can help you find local legal assistance.
 
Avoid risky products The majority of black Americans tend to utilize high-interest loans such as payday loans as opposed to 21% of white Americans as per an assessment from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. These loans could have interest rates up to 300%, and can lead to repeated borrowing, trapping the person who is borrowing in a cycle of debt.
 
If you require money, you can find lower loan rates from your community credit union. Apps like Earnin will give you an advance on your pay without fees or interest. If you're in a bad credit situation A -- which is offered by numerous credit unions can provide the cash you need while you improve your credit.
 
To get more assistance, you can tap the free guidance of a non-profit organization, such as that of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
 
The post was written by NerdWallet and was originally published through The Associated Press.
 
 
 
 
About the author: Sean Pyles is the executive producer and host of NerdWallet's Smart Money podcast. His writing has been featured on The New York Times, USA Today and elsewhere.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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