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1992-12-25
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CREDIT CARD "CASH ADVANCES"
As we discussed in the section on interest rates, cash
advances are the most costly credit card transaction. The
reason for this is the high rate of interest that is
charged, plus, the transaction fee, if any.
As most credit card holders know, a cash advance can be
taken by visiting any automatic teller or bank lobby.
Besides a transaction fee, cash advances may be subject to
higher interest rates, which as we learned earlier are
assessed as soon as the advance is taken. Remember, as soon
as your cash is handed over, the interest clock is ticking ■
there is no "grace" or "free ride" period!
This is the main reason why cash advances are so costly. In
fact, the effective annual rate of interest on a cash
advance is roughly 40 percent; this figure varies depending
on transaction fees, if any.
Another form of a cash advance is a cash advance check. One
credit card company advertisement says "They work just like
regular checks, without touching your checking dollars."
Sure, you don't have to "touch your checking dollars" until
your next monthly bill arrives. And with this particular
company, you would have paid interest at an effective annual
rate of about 40 percent.
Don't be fooled; it's just another way to take a cash
advance. Never use a cash advance check when you can use
your credit card instead. If you use a cash advance check
for such a purchase, you forfeit your grace period and you
start paying interest the moment your purchase is posted to
your account.
The best way to avoid cash advances is to keep some "hidden
cash" in your wallet or purse. The amount of cash, of
course, depends on your habits and lifestyle. Usually,
tucking away $10 or $20 will help prevent the need to use a
cash advance.
* * * * End of CREDIT CARD "CASH ADVANCES" * * * *