A credit card system is a type of retail transaction settlement and credit system,
named after the small plastic card issued to users of the system.

Providian National Bank, Issuer of the Providian Credit Card is one of the largest issuers
of Visa and MasterCard in the country and was recently acquired by Washington Mutual.

Credit Cards A credit card system is a type of retail transaction settlement and credit system, named after the small plastic card issued to users of the system. A credit card is different from a debit card in that the credit card issuer lends the consumer money rather than having the money removed from an account. It is also different from a charge card (though this name is often used to describe credit cards by the public) in that charge cards do not extend the user credit -- the charges must be paid each month in full. Credit Card Counseling

How to improve your credit rating - so you can get a Credit Card for your business

Maintain a good payment record - It is very important to pay your bills on time. A lot of late payments can lower a credit history record.

Control of debt - Lenders want to see that you are not living beyond your means. Experts estimate that non-mortgage credit payments each month should not exceed more than 15 percent of your after tax income.


Signs of responsibility and stability - Lenders perceive things such as longevity in your home and job (at least two years) as signs of stability. Having a respected profession can improve a credit rating.

Credit inquiries – Keeping credit inquiries to a minimum can help your credit rating as whenever you apply for a credit card, the lender accesses your credit rating from a credit rating agency as part of the approval process. When your credit rating is accessed, a note is made of this access on the record for two years. Credit companies perceive many inquiries on your report as a signal that you are looking for loans and will possibly consider you a poor credit risk. To keep your credit rating good, try not to let companies access your history unnecessarily.


Keep cards you don't use - Although it is believed that having too many credit cards can have an adverse affect on your credit score, closing lines of credit can not improve your score and may even hurt it. The credit rating formula looks at the difference between the amount of credit you have and the amount you're using, so reducing your total credit can make the balance you carry seem larger and take points off your score.