Credit Cards: What is the Universal Default Clause?

Most people who carry major credit cards are well aware that the interest rates associated with them tend to be higher than for other types of lending, such as home or auto loans. Anyone who has paid their credit card bill late more than once or twice is also aware that doing so may cause the interest rate on their card to go up - sometimes by quite a lot. Many credit cards carry interest rates of as much as 20% or 25% annually, and customers who want to avoid interest rates in that range make an effort to pay their bills on time.

What many people do not realize, however, is that up to one third of all credit card issuers now include what is known as a "universal default clause" in their bills. This information, usually disclosed in the tiny print on the bill that few people bother to read, indicates that the interest rate on your credit card may be increased if you pay bills late to other lenders, even if you pay your credit card bill on time.

This means that paying any bill late that could show up on your credit report, such as an auto payment or a utility bill could cause your credit card interest rate to go up. This, in turn, could hurt your credit score. There is currently nothing in Federal law that prohibits this practice; the law only requires that lenders disclose it in writing. Credit card companies justify this by saying that customers that make late payments to anyone increase the risk for all lenders. Nevertheless, many, if not most, credit card customers are unaware that such policies exist.

Not all credit card companies have such a policy; in fact, most do not. Customers who are not interested in having the interest rates of their credit card tied to their ability to pay their phone bill on time would be advised to read the fine print in their credit card statement. If such a policy exists, you could either complain to your credit card issuer about it or shop around for another credit card. The lesson to be learned here is a valuable one - when you receive your credit card bill or a notification that your credit card billing terms have changed, take a moment to read the fine print.

ŠCopyright 2005 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including End-Your-Debt.com, a site devoted to debt consolidation and credit counseling, and HomeEquityHelp.net, a site devoted to information regarding home equity loans.

MORE RESOURCES:

RELATED ARTICLES

Fair Credit Reporting Act: What You Should Know About It?
The Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is designated to promote accuracy, fairness, and privacy of information in the files of every "consumer reporting agency" (CRA) or Credit Bureau. Learn what the law says and repair your credit today!Most CRA are credit bureaus that gather and sell information about you, such as if you pay your bills on time or have filed bankruptcy.

Credit Card Tips
Here are some useful credit card tips for you to consider before applying for a credit card. Before applying for a credit card, you should decide why you want one, and make sure you can use it wisely.

Why Should You Use Credit Cards
Believe it or not, the way society, especially the commercial side, is set up these days, the only alternative to using credit is to pay cash for everything. But it's actually quite hard to do that.

Pitfalls of the Credit Industry
The credit industry if rife with pitfalls. If you have ever owned a credit card you probably already have learned this the hard way.

Restore Your Credit Rating And Reduce Your Debts
Your credit rating affects many areas of your life. Opening new credit accounts, buying a home or car, getting a new job, and receiving discounts on insurance rates are just a few of the things that are impacted by your credit score.

Good Credit -- Essential for the Prospective Home Buyer
Credit is a funny thing. It can be a useful tool in the hands of an informed individual, or a weight of burden to the unsuspecting.

How To Read Your Credit Report
The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, signed into law on Dec. 4, 2003, gives every American the right to a free credit report every year from each of the three major credit bureaus -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

New Law Provides Free Annual Credit Report
As of Thursday, December 1, 2004, one-third of Americans will be able to access their credit reports from all three main agencies for free. Passed in late 2003, the Fair & Accurate Credit Transactions Act creates a central source consumers can use to obtain a free annual credit report.

How To Use Your Credit Card For Ultimate Financial Advantage
Using a credit card wisely is an important step in building a great credit rating. If you're trying to re-build your credit or if you're young and just starting out, pay close attention the next time you receive a new card offer in the mail or online.

Credit Repair Services vs. Do-It-Yourself Credit Repair
Millions of Americans suffer because of bad credit these days, and almost all of these people turn to the Internet for help. In the past 5 years hundreds of 'internet-based' credit repair services have sprung up, preying on consumers in need of real help.

How To Establish Great Credit
Building a good credit history is important. If you have no reported credit history, it may take time to establish your first credit account.

Why Americans Find Predatory Lending Offensive
"Menis - the author translates as "indignant rage" - It is the kind of rage arising from social betrayal that impairs a person's dignity through violation of "what's right." (p21), Achilles In Viet Nam - Combat Trauma and the Undoing of Character, Jonathan Shay, M.

Your Credit Rating and How To Check It
There is a lot of confusion surrounding UK credit ratings, credit scores, credit blacklists, credit reports, and credit files. This guide to your credit rating aims to give you the facts you need.

Have You Checked Your Permanent Record Lately?
As a young student I feared getting bad grades because I didn't want any bad marks on my "permanent record." Get an "F" in fifth-grade science and it goes in your record.

To Repair Credit Is No longer Satisfactory - Learn How To Earn A Millionaires Credit In 30 Days...
To repair your bad credit does not necessarily mean that you now have a good credit, absolutely not. When most people have bad credit, they either purchase a credit repair book or seek a credit expert help.

Low Interest Credit Cards: A Thing of the Past?
With interest rates rising, low or zero percent credit cards may soon become a thing of the past. However, the wise shopper can still secure a low rate by carefully shopping around.

Ways to Look Good without Selling Your Soul to the Credit Card Sharks
1. Buy clothes at thrift stores.

Automobile Credit Report
When applying for a loan to purchase a car, the lender will want to take a look at a person's auto credit report. Credit reports tell lenders all they need to know about granting a loan to all applicants.

Your Credit Score
Credit scores: all lenders use credit scores to determine interest rates and credit limits.The credit scoring system was developed in the early 1950's.

19,178 Identity Theft Victims Per Day - Are You One Of Them?
Identity theft statistics are shocking. And we are told that it will only become worse, before it gets any better.