Identity theft is serious business because your credit could be at risk if you are a victim. There are things you can do to protect yourself and your credit portfolio. One way you can protect yourself is to use an identity theft monitoring service. There are a variety offers out there for these services in which the service will monitor your activity and alert you if there are changes to your accounts. Many of the services only monitor one of the three major consumer reporting companies. If youre considering signing up for a service, be sure you understand what youre getting before you buy it. Always check check out the company with your local Better Business Bureau, consumer protection agency and state Attorney General to see if they have any complaints on file.

Identity theft monitoring services work by monitoring an individuals’ credit reports for any activity, such as inquiries and new accounts opened like credit cards.

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You spoke; Citi listened. In direct response to consumer research, Citi has made available several new features to its “ThankYou Points” rewards members. This includes the introduction of a “Travel Center,” an expanded “Bonus Center” and a “Points Transfer” program that enables members to give their points to other members.

For starters, the Citi “ThankYou Travel Center” lets you use your Citi credit card in combination with “ThankYou Points” to get travel rewards. For example, if you don’t have enough points for a flight, hotel reservation or vacation package, your Citi credit card can be used to pay the difference, with no blackout dates for flights, hotels, cars and vacation packages. Meanwhile, the “Citi ThankYou Bonus Center” lets you earn an average of four extra “ThankYou Points” per dollar spent and has been expanded to include more than 600 merchants, 50% more than last year.

Most cutting edge; “ThankYou Points Transfer,” allowing you to transfer your “ThankYou Points” to other members!

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If you are in the market for a balance transfer credit card, you have to consider two offers from Citi Bank. The Citi® Platinum Select® Card and the Citi® Dividend Platinum Select® MasterCard® both offer 0% for 21 months on balance transfers. They dont just stop with that offer either! Both have a low balance transfer fees which will help you save money and get the most out of the balance transfer offer. If you are seeking a rewards card, take a close look at the Citi® Dividend Platinum Select® MasterCard®, as the Citi® Dividend Platinum Select® MasterCard® does not have a rewards program.

Citi® Platinum Select® Card

The Citi® Platinum Select® Card is the ultimate balance transfer credit card because it offers a full 21 months with a very low 3% balance transfer fee. New cardmember will receive 0% for the first 21 months of being a cardmember on both balance transfers and purchases. Read more…

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Merchants have taken a united stand in protesting against the high fees that credit cards charge them and a businesswoman has filed a lawsuit against some of the major banks, Visa, and MasterCard.

A lawsuit has been filed in B.C. Supreme Court on behalf of Mary Watson who is the owner of Metropolitan Home in Vancouver. As per the claim, it has been alleged that card issuers as well as banks are involved in a multibillion dollar conspiracy and increasing the fees that is to be paid by merchants for every transaction made on the credit card.

Visa and MasterCard charge a percentage fee when a customer pays through the card. The card issuing bank as well as the company which processes the payment also charges a fee. While the merchants are charged a smaller fee on the basic cards, the rewards cards charge a higher fee.

According to the suit that has been filed it is stated that merchants had paid around $5 billion by way of fees in the year 2009.

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Traveler’s checks offer consumers a relatively secure way to pay for expenses when on a trip away from home. These checks are printed with a set value and can be used as a cash equivalent when signed. As with any payment form, traveler’s checks have their own pros and cons. Consider the following advantages and disadvantages of traveler’s checks to help you determine if this payment form is right for you and your upcoming vacation or business trip.

Pros of Traveler’s Checks

• Traveler’s checks are readily accepted in many locations and by many merchants.
• Lost or stolen traveler’s checks are replaced free of charge, often quickly.
• The set value of your traveler’s checks helps you to maintain a budget on your trip.
• Many times it is possible to exchange traveler’s checks for cash again at the hotel where you are staying.
• This form of currency is not computer-dependent.

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