An American Express survey has shown that identity theft is more of a worry to people now than many physical attacks.
Over half the people surveyed by American Express worry that they will have their identity used by someone else, with the biggest increase being amongst the 18 to 24 year olds, with the concern up by 8 percent compared with last year. Costing over GBP1.3 billion each year identity theft is a very real crime and as our use of chip and pin cards, the internet and technology increases so do the chances of our personal data being taken.
In reality the risk is relatively low, growing lower still if simple precautions are taken. American Express advise internet users not to provide their details to any sites they do not trust, to shred their documents before disposing of them and to make sure their computers are password protected, and not with either birthday or mothers maiden name, which are by far the most common ones used.
The Summer months are expected to be a busy time for those with credit cards according to Sainsburys Bank, with consumers expected to hit the cards hard to cover their spending.
Estimates put total consumer spending at around GBP7.9 billion for the Summer months, a little lower than last year but still a lot of money bearing in mind the difficult economic conditions. Of this total spend Sainsburys Bank predict approximately 42 percent will be put onto a credit card.
There are benefits to be enjoyed through paying by credit card of course, including cash back offers, points that can be redeemed to collect rewards and 0 percent interest too. The key is to clear the balance before it becomes costly and this is what Sainsburys Bank hope consumers will do.
The changing face of our planet has brought interest in environmental issues very much to the fore, and nowhere more so than in the world of credit cards. Customers are looking to do something for the greater good in every aspect of their life now, which is why there is now a Co-op credit card that helps do just that.
The Co-op Think credit card donates 25 pence from every GBP100 spent to Cool Earth, an environmental charity that works to help regenerate the planet. Also, upon signing up for the card, the Co-op buys half an acre of rain forest in Brazil that will be protected and help manage carbon dioxide.
The Think credit card from the Co-op is also competitive financially, with an Annual Percentage Rate of only 12.9 percent. Ultimately a credit card should best suit financial requirements first, taking care of other matters are secondary. However this new Co-op credit card appears to have both bases covered.
