This week we give you several reasons to care about credit, including saving thousands from low mortgage rates, securing your most personal data and receiving payments on your smartphone. Your credit knowledge, savvy and scores will dictate your financial future and there’s no better time to keep your eye on the ball than now. As always, if you enjoy any of our favorite bloggers, we encourage you to follow them on Twitter for regular updates. And don’t forget to follow Credit.com at @CreditExperts
Now Your Credit Card Company Wants Your DNA
It’s not shocking that credit card companies want to sell your data to online advertisers. However, it is shocking to know that they would like to package and sell a profile of you mapped to your DNA. Experts say that building marketable DNA databases would be charting new water with the possibility of very rough seas. @Time
Opening a Store Credit Card This Holiday Season Could Cost You the Lowest Mortgage Rates
Mortgages rates are lower than they have been in decades, but if you want to join in the action, your credit score has to be healthy. Opening a store card this season could jeopardize that health in a big way. Find out how a credit card with a $2,500 balance could cost you $10,000 in the long run. @MarketWatch
Square’s Credit-Card Swipe Hits Walmart
The Square is bumping up its retail presence, now selling at Walmart and almost ten thousand more retail locations. Making small business and peer-to-peer transactions easier and more accessible will surely change the way we make purchases. The rise of the Square is upon us, and it looks like it will only be a matter of time before we’re all making payments on a small square device attached to someone’s phone. @CNNMoney
On the Call: Visa CEO Saunders on Debit Card Fees
Visa’s CEO remains confidant that debit card use won’t become a thing of the past due to the backlash from new fees for users. He cites new regulation for the need for banks to charge these fees and is optimistic that debit cards will continue to be popular. The rise in the necessity of prepaid cards has opened up a growth market that the credit card companies are happy to cater to, as well. @Businessweek
Credit Card Fraud Without a Computer
We generally assume that there’s a risk in giving credit card information online, which is true but it’s also safe to assume that there’s risk in any form of sharing credit card information. If purchasing online, over the phone or even in a brick and mortar store there’s a chance your card number will be stolen. The best ways to combat this is to regularly check your account for any discrepancies and make quick contact with those who need to know. @Seattletimes
Image: Photomatt28, via Flickr.com
Tim Langevin Credit.com team member and personal finance contributor, Tim studied journalism at Columbia College, Chicago and graduated with a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications. Tim shares his unique insight on finding the best bargains and tips to help consumers stay on budget and in control. Have a question for our experts? Email them at CreditExperts@Credit.com.
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