Ten Reasons Why You Need Online Access

Ten Reasons Why You Need Online Access

Find out the benefits of online access to your credit card account.

There are only so many gags you can make about credit cards before you have to start doing some straight shooting. Here goes: ten reasons why you need a credit card with online account access

1. Never worry about losing the bill: You always have access to your statements including concise summaries of what you owe, when you owe it, what your finance charges are, etc.

2. Watch your unbilled balance: You ever get that looming feeling like you’ve been charging and charging to your credit card like a mad person and that when you get the bill all of the fun is going to be over? Get on your computer and know exactly how much you’ve charged. If need be, put your credit card away!

3. Look at old statements: If someone says a bill wasn’t paid or you’re wondering exactly when you paid for a trinket that never showed up, get the information instantly online.

4. Watch for missing charges: At some point, I swear, you’re not going to get charged for something you bought. On rare occasion, that something is going to be rather expensive. Right now I’m waiting to be charged for four tires that cost upwards of $200. Now, I’m not complaining but the only reason I know this hasn’t shown up is because I check my statements online. When it finally does show up on the bill – and it probably will, even if its months from now – I won’t be surprised when a $200 bill flies in from left field.

5. Request a credit limit extension: Most credit cards allow you to request a credit increase online and they’ll instantly approve some small extensions.

6. Follow your reward points: Having trouble tracking your airline miles, cash back, free cups of coffee and oil changes? Follow it online. It’s not more thrilling than playing the ponies, unless of course you just scored a free ticket halfway around the world.

7. Help the environment: Get your bill delivered via e-mail and end your paper statements.

8. Get your payment address: And now that you’re handling everything online and don’t even have a bill coming to your house, you can get the payment address on the website.

9. Manage your finances: Track a year’s worth of purchases online. When you realize that a third of your annual income is going to eBay purchases, you might think twice about those antique ice cube trays.

10. Pay your bill online: Running late with that bill? Enter your checking account routing number online and you don’t have to waste a check or a postage stamp. You should know this usually takes a few days to set up.

Even with the best credit card, if you don’t have online account access, find another. It will make your life much simpler.