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What are blink credit cards?

Blink credit cards are a form of credit card developed by JPMorganChase (Chase) and released for public use in mid-2005. Chase spent a few years developing and fine tuning the technology used for their Blink credit cards.

A Blink credit card is a Visa or Mastercard issued by Chase that contains a small RFID tag within the card. This RFID wireless transmits information to an RFID receiver attached to various credit/debit card readers at a wide range of merchants.

The Blink credit card is any Chase card that has the Blink logo and technology embedded in it. Chase has a range of cards including Chase Freedom that have Blink technology.

The Blink technology securely transmits the card information to the reader allowing the reader to determine if the card is approved. Once approved the transaction goes through and the cardholder is charged the amount due.

How do you use a Blink credit card?

Cardholders of the Chase Blink credit cards can use their cards at thousands of merchants where the Blink logo is found.

Once all the merchandise is scanned and a total is given, Blink cardholders simply hold or tap their Blink card up to the logo on the card reader. In a second lights on the reader will blink and a tone can be heard. This indicates that the card has been accepted and the card can be removed. Within a few seconds the transaction will be approved.

The range according to Chase is around 1 inch. Any Blink cards held further then one inch away will not register a payment. Some websites have talked about certain RFID readers having a longer range, with some users reporting 1-4 inches. Some readers require the card be tapped on the surface of the reader before the transaction will go through. This may be a way to prevent accidental payment through a Blink card.

The card is held face up and right side up hovering over or on the card reader. This eliminates the need to swipe the card or hand the card to a cashier.

Is the Blink credit card secure?

Chase has stated that like all of it’s credit cards, the cardholder is not liable for any unauthorized transactions with the Blink card. However concern has been raised over RFID technology because it is possible for a RFID reader to be compromised. It is also possible that an RFID reader could be held close to a person carrying a Blink credit card and phish the information off the card.

It appears that the technology is relatively secure and that the information on the card is heavily encrypted. According to Chase, the Blink RFID tag within the card will not activate or transmit any information unless it is held close enough to an official Blink card reader terminal.

Should you get a Chase Blink card?

The Blink technology has been out for a few years now and with it, improvements and a larger number of places to ‘blink’ your purchases. Many Chase cardmembers have or will receive Chase Blink cards when they are due up for a new card.

Overall the main purpose of the Blink card is to speed up transactions. Also one can’t overlook Chase’s move to create yet another novel concept in credit cards. Some people will enjoy using Blink credit cards simply because of the novelty of it. You may save a few seconds in the store, get to play with a novelty technology, and reduce the amount of times you have to hand your credit card over to another person.

Even though there are many types of credit cards out there for consumers, there are few for those with bad credit.  Those who are looking to repair their credit have a few options available, one of which is the bank secured credit card.  This credit card can help you to repair your credit, as it works in conjunction with your savings or checking account.

Bank secured credit cards look and work just like traditional credit cards, although they use your bank account as collateral.  Anytime you aren’t able to pay your credit card bill at the due date, the bank will take the money out of your account.  This way, there is always money there for the bank, in the event that you are unable to make your payment.

Bank secured credit cards are also ideal for those who have a bankruptcy or simply don’t qualify for a line of credit due to bad credit or no credit history.  These credit cards show your bank that you are able to pay your monthly dues, and that you are taking the necessary steps in rebuilding or building your credit.  Over time, if you remain responsible and pay your bill on time, your bank may give you an unsecured line of credit – known as a standard credit card with no collateral.

Due to the fact that bank secured credit cards only allow you to spend what have in your account, you don’t need to worry about debt.  When you cant make a payment, the bank simply takes the money out of your account.  Although this is a great back up plan, you should always pay your bill and never let this happen.

Just like other credit cards, bank secured credit cards do have disadvantages that can hit you like a ton of bricks should you use the card irresponsibly.  Anytime you don’t pay your bill on time, the bank can hit you with high interest charges and late charges.  These charges and fees can get higher and higher if you don’t start paying your bill, which can eventually cause you to drain your account that you set aside.  If you pay your bill on time though, you wont have to worry about being hit with these types of charges.

For those who have bad credit or need to start building credit, a bank secured credit card is a great place to start.  These cards can lead you to an unsecured credit card, providing you pay your bill on time.  Almost all banks offer these credit cards, all you have to do is ask.  Once you have kept your credit card in good standing for a period of time – you’ll have the satisfaction in knowing that you are taking the right steps in rebuilding your credit.

Ways to profit by using your credit card to pay your bills.

Paying your bills with your credit card can give you some extra money in your pocket if you follow these tips and tricks. You can already make a wide range of purchases with your credit card, so add paying your bills to the list to maximize the benefits of your credit card.

A word of caution to start out: Those already in credit card debt or those who don’t pay their bill in full most months shouldn’t use their credit cards to pay bills as any ‘profits’ will be wiped away by the high interest rates.

Get a rewards or cash back credit card

To profit from paying bills with your credit card, look for decent rewards credit card that offers at least a full 1% back on all purchases. Many rewards credit cards also offer bonus points or cash back for common purchases such as groceries, gas, and yes some bill payments as well.

I have a credit card that gives me 1% back on every purchase, and 3% back on the top 3 areas I spend in each month out of 15 possible areas, this includes my monthly cell phone bill. I also have access to an online rewards site where I can shop many well known stores and companies and get up to 10% back.

Set up bill payment or auto pay

Many of your recurring bills such as cell phone bills can be set on an auto-pay plan through either your credit card company or the company whose bill you are paying. You can set up automatic payments so you’ll never miss a payment on your bills and be earning rewards or cash back in no time. Always review your bills and statements even if you use auto pay.

Watch out for fees

Some companies (utility companies are notorious for this) will charge you a fee to use your credit card to pay your bill. With fees that average around 10 dollars a transaction, paying these bills with a credit card will make little sense for your profit goals. That said, only pay bills that don’t charge extra to use a credit card.

Pay in full

Rewards and cash back credit cards come with higher interest rates and thus higher credit card bills if you don’t pay in full each month. Pay your bill off in full to avoid interest charges and maximize your profits.

Stash the cash

Since you are using your credit card to pay most of your bills and expenses, why not earn some more cash? Open a high interest checking or savings account to keep your money in.

You won’t be paying your bills from your bank account and you generally have about 20 days from your credit card statement to the due date, that time can be used to earn interest on your money before paying your credit card balance. Your bills get paid on time by your credit card and you don’t have to pay your credit card till the next due date.

By paying your bills with your rewards or cash back credit card you’ll be able to use features such as auto-pay that can prevent late fees and missed payments. Your cash will earn interest during grace periods and you’ll earn rewards points or cash back on every bill you pay with your credit card.