State Bank of India, launched a loyalty programme for its debit card customers in April 2009. Punjab National Bank is also setting up to launch a similar programme for its credit card customers in the next three to four months.

Loylty Rewards, the loyalty and rewards management company which formulated and implemented SBI’s programme, is also working with Deutsche Bank and Citibank which are likely to announce their programmes within the next two or three months.

SBI’s reward programme offers customers the option to redeem the points earned for using their debit cards with over 35 retail brands which include electronic brands, apparel, jewellery and also for booking movie tickets, bus tickets and air tickets.

The life of the points is also longer with a window of three years, during which customers can redeem the points. Future plans include tying up with mobile companies to offer redemption of points against mobile talk time, Mr Jayaraj said.

Deputy Managing Director (Information Technology), SBI, Mr A. Krishna Kumar, said that the programme was launched to give an incentive for customers to use cards.

“After launched the programme both the usage of debit cards and the demand for debit cards have increased. We don’t plan to discontinue the scheme,” he said. Prior to the scheme, SBI had a debit card base of 5.1 crore. This has now increased to 6.8 crore. The average number transactions through point-of-sales terminals (swiping of cards at merchants) has gone up from 12.9 lakh a month, to 21.7 lakh a month. Similarly, the average spends have increased from Rs 2.1 crore a month to Rs 3.7 crore a month. “Consumer loyalty and relationship management is a relatively new area in India. In fact, over the last decade, ‘customer connect’ has been disintegrating with more brands and more merchants entering the market,” said Mr Jayaraj. PNB’s rewards scheme is still in the preliminary stage and the bank is yet to decide on which merchants to tie up with, said a senior official from the bank. “We need to get customers to increase spends. So, we will look at merchants who are popular with customers,” said an official from the credit cards venture division of PNB.

The bank, which launched credit cards a year ago, has 41,000 credit card customers.

The target is to increase this to 50,000 by March and add 2 lakh credit card customers next fiscal, said Mr Ranjan Dhawan, Chief General Manager, PNB.

First, determine the reward you really want. This is one of the most important steps in the process. What good is getting a card with airline miles rewards if you never fly? Wanting to get cash back on the purchases you make? Maybe you prefer something with hotel rewards. Either way, determining the correct type of reward you want will help point you in the right direction in selecting your new card.

Next, find out what the requirements are. Applying for a credit or charge card that requires excellent credit when your credit is average at best is a mistake. Sure, there may be a slight chance you could get it, but most likely you won’t. However, there will be another inquiry on your credit report which will not only have some effect on your score, but could also signal to a credit company that you may have recently approved credit. Applying for future cards may then be hindered.

After that, pay attention to the details. They may offer 10,000 bonus airline miles with your first purchase, but how are the miles used when you need them? Are there blackout dates that restrict your travel? Can you use them at any airline, or just one? Some rewards may sound great, but in reality there is no way to use them. In this case, only the credit card company makes out!

Finally, look at the rates and fees. If you have narrowed your choices down to just a couple of cards, take a look at the interest rate APR, terms of how the rates are computed and the fees involved. Just because they waive the fee the first year does not mean it is the better card, especially if it is higher than the annual fee of the other choice.

Bottom line, there are great rewards credit cards available. Finding the right one is not hard to do if you know how to look. One place to start is with credit card review websites, such as Platinum Card Reviews. Here you can review rewards credit cards with the best rewards available.

The Cashback Bonus award is the reward program in the forefront. As Discover Card rewards its participating members they will be able to collect Cashback Bonus award points on every purchase they make. The newly redesigned program offers the card holders additional options in using their awards. Redeeming the award is possible at any time as soon as the accrued amount reaches $20 or more. The increment for redeeming is $20. If the card member builds up the award over a period of time they also have the option of doubling their award with affiliated merchants such as Borders Books & Music, Blockbuster and The Sharper Image.

The new innovative Discover 2GO(SM) Card is a very convenient and user friendly way to access the card member’s Discover Card account. This is the first time a credit card company has introduced this type of a unique and consumer friendly card. The compact Discover 2GO(SM) card fits into a protective case that can be attached to a belt, key chain or a money clip with ease. The card member will never forget it or lose it and will have it with him all the time allowing easy access to the Discover Card account.

The Discover Card has evolved over time to include a wide cross section of merchants with whom they have built up steady relationships through the Cashback Bonus award program. Many popular magazines feature the merchants who are participating in the program allowing the card members to double their Cashback Bonus awards. The number of merchants who are joining the program is on the increase adding to the value of the Discover 2GO(SM) card.

All these unique and innovative offers which are exclusively reserved for the card members are possible mainly due to the fact that Discover Card is a proprietary card. They are always looking for ways to enhance the shopping experience with the card and keep adding to its value by joining with other like minded merchants across the nation.

As you can see becoming a card holding member with a Discover Card at your command can be a very rewarding experience. It is even more convenient to be able to use the card at many other shopping outlets that will actually double your cash back rewards. It is Discover Cards way of rewarding card holders even further that makes this possible. So, go out and become a card holder today and reap the benefits that will automatically flow to you through all the innovative programs offered by the Discover Card and enjoy the most rewarding experience.

Author : Andre Hansen, a Norwegian author, has been known for writing articles in business, health and lifestyle, and many interesting fields of topic. If you like this article, you can visit his site at http://www.danbyportableairconditioners.com, where you can find out more about danby portable air conditioners.

Tips for Credit Card Rewards Programs

It’s important to read the fine print on the application in addition to the details of each of the credit card rewards programs carefully. Some offers sound tempting at first glance but often have strict limits on how, when, and where you can redeem the rewards they are offering. Moreover, you will find that the limits sometimes reach the point of benefitting the credit card company more than you. Be wary of credit card rewards programs that charge a higher interest rate. If a credit company is offering credit card rewards programs that seem too good to be true, then they probably are. Many times, the credit card company will pay for these rewards by charging a higher interest rate if you’re carrying a balance. It’s best to pay the balance off every month so that the higher interest rate will not affect you.

Furthermore, most credit card rewards programs don’t kick in until you have spent “up to” a certain amount, like on a gas rebate credit card, for example. Again, be careful to read the fine print because many times, especially on cash back reward credit cards, the reward will not kick in until you have spent over a certain dollar limit threshold. For example, some credit cards may give you a $50.00 gift certificate after spending $10,000 on the card. This really amounts to about a ½% reward. In this case, you would be far better off with a 1% cash back reward. Ensure that you understand how much you are paying for the reward you are receiving.

Additionally, watch for annual add-on fees with reward credit cards. Make sure you do not have to spend a bundle to get decent credit card rewards. Otherwise, it defeats the purpose of the reward as you are really paying for the reward with the annual fee. Other times, credit card companies impose reward limits. You may have noticed many cards offering rewards but only up to a certain amount. For example, a 5% cash back gas rebate credit card may stop paying once you have reached $200 or $300 in gas purchases. Apply for the credit card rewards programs that have no limit or that give you unlimited cash back. Finally, some credit card companies have reward expiration dates. If you have to redeem your rewards for a gift item, make sure you redeem before the posted expiration periods. Usually, you must redeem rewards within a specific period of time.

A Gas Rebate Credit Card in Particular

A gas rebate credit card can be quite generous but can have its limitations. Ask the credit card company if you can use these rewards at all gas stations or if the rewards for the card are limited to certain gas stations, certain locations, or a particular grade of gas.

Every time you make a purchase on your gas rebate credit card, you get a percentage of that purchase in credit to use to buy gas. Many of the credit card rewards programs will give you a higher cash back percent when you use your gas rebate credit card to purchase gas at a pre-approved gas station. Often, it is as high as 5% cash back on your gasoline purchase!

Apply Now!

A gas rebate credit card with added perks can be extremely beneficial, especially if you monitor the best credit card rewards programs available. Once you’re convinced and ready to apply for a gas rebate credit card, make sure that you read the application carefully. Do not rush through the application process to find out this card is not something you expected. Do the appropriate research, and you’ll be more than satisfied.

Before you apply, however, make sure you fully understand the particulars of using a gas rebate credit card. Talk to one of the credit counselors if needed. Odds are that this card will come in handy time and time again because gas is a much-needed necessity. By using these tips as a guide and reading the fine print, you will be able to find the best credit card rewards programs to fit your needs.

Woody Alpern, CPA, is the founder and creator of MyCreditCard.com, an online service that lets you compare credit cards and choose the best fit for you. He is the co-founder of both Capital Investment Advisors and Capital Benefits Administration, Inc. He is also a partner in both firms. In addition, he serves as CEO of real estate investment company Roswell Holdings, LLC. A graduate of the University of South Carolina with both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in accounting, Alpern spent several years in the tax division of the accounting firm Touche Ross (now Deloitte & Touche) before partnering with Michael Reiner to found his own businesses. To begin searching for credit cards, visit http://www.mycreditcard.com.

According to a recent survey by credit card provider Goldfish, 52 per cent of UK credit card holders have no reward scheme affiliated to their credit card. Credit card perks, which can include air miles, free gifts and reduced promotional interest rates, are currently only benefiting 48 per cent of consumers at the point of balance transfer, according to the survey.

The Goldfish research showed that, of those shoppers who had taken advantage of credit card rewards schemes, most had opted for cards that offered points which could be collected through the purchase of goods in high street stores.

The second most popular credit card perk was the cashback card, while 17 per cent of credit consumers opted for promotional low-rate balance transfer and purchase deals as their credit card benefits. A further 9 per cent of those credit card holders surveyed picked a credit card that would allow them to collect an increasing number of air miles.

What’s more, the Goldfish survey found that women were the most keen when it came to shopping with a credit card on the high street, with more women than men opting for in-store retail reward cards.

With so many credit cards to choose from in today’s crowded, financial credit market, the existence of credit card perks and reward schemes can be a crucial deciding factor in deciding on a new credit card or switching credit card providers. Many leading credit card providers will offer a range of credit card perks to both new and existing customers, such as discounts with the bank’s retail partners, an introductory interest free period, inclusive payment protection insurance and a free identity protection service, among a range of other offers.

Student and graduate credit cards often carry many perks, including discounted CDs, DVDs and special offers on travel insurance. And within the last year, many credit card providers have begun providing charity credit cards, whereby credit card consumers will automatically donate money to charity every time they use their card.

And if the range of credit card perks available to you is overwhelming, it’s important not to worry: there are a range of consumer credit comparison and advice sites available on the internet that will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the credit card market, and give you advice on which credit cards and credit card reward schemes will suit you best. Just make sure you’re not one of the 52 per cent of credit customers that don’t benefit from credit card perks, and you’re sure to enjoy your credit card experience!

Andrew Regan is an online, freelance journalist.

Gas cards may offer cash back when you make a gas purchase (and sometimes other purchases as well). This means you get a rebate every time you fill up your car- which can help offset the pain you feel when you pay for your gas! If the card offers a 10% gas rebate, it’s the same as getting a 10% discount when you fill up your car.

If you use a gas rebate credit card, you pay for your gas purchases using the card, and then you’ll receive your rebate from the credit card company. Depending on the terms of the card, you might receive the rebates in the form of a credit back on your credit card, a certificate, or check in the mail.

To maximize the benefits of a gas rebate credit card, be sure to pay off yoru entire balance each month before the due date listed on your statement. If you carry a balance from month to month, you are paying interest on your gas purchases- which will basically eliminate the rewards you are earning. For cardholders with a 0% interest rate introductory offer, you may choose to let your gas purchases accumulate over the entire period of the introductory offer- and make a single payment at the end of the free interest period. This will allow you to maximize your rebate benefits. Just be sure to send in the payment before the introductory offer ends to avoid paying a monthly interest fee.

Spend some time looking at the various gas rebate credit cards. Some cards allow you to purchase gas from any station that accepts credit cards for your rewards; while others require that you purchase gas from specific gas station brands. If you plan to use the credit card for more than just gas purchases, you’ll want to find one that gives you cash back on purchases other than gas as well, to help maximize what you earn in rewards.

You can further save money on gas with the following vehicle maintenance tips:

* Keep tires inflated to the proper pressure as indicated on your owner’s manual. Tires that are inflated correctly can save up to 7 cents per gallon in gas costs.
* Fuel economy decreases when your vehicle is traveling at speeds over 60 miles per hour.
* Extra weight in your car will decrease the fuel economy.
* An idling engine wastes gas. Most vehicles only need to “warm up” for two or three minutes before driving, even when it’s cold.
* Combine errands and plan your trips. Why take three trips in one day to various places when you could do all three in one round trip and save on gas and miles?

by: Debbie Dragon

AirTran Visa
Annual fee: $39
APR: 7.74 – 21.74%
Other perks: Free one-way coach ticket with your first purchase

United Visa
Annual fee: 0$ the first year, $60 thereafter
APR: 18.24%
Other perks: 21,000 bonus miles with your first purchase

American Airlines MasterCard
Annual fee: 0$ the first year, $85 thereafter
APR: 18.24%
Other perks: 20,000 AAdvantage miles after making $750 worth of purchases in first four months.

Continental MasterCard
Annual fee: $65 to $85
APR: 18.24%
Other perks: 20,000 bonus miles with first qualifying purchase.

Delta American Express
Annual fee: $0 first year, $85 thereafter
APR: 18.24%
Other perks: 15,000 bonus miles with first qualifying purchase.

Jet Blue American Express
Annual fee: $40
APR: 18.24%
Other perks: 50 True Blue points with first purchase

Obviously, some deals sound better than others. And these new cards aren’t for everyone. For example, if you’ve already got an airlines reward card with a very low interest rate, it might be best for you to rack up airline miles while making daily purchases on that card. Online travel services can help you come up with cheap plane tickets, and the low interest rate on your card would keep your monthly expenses low.

Beyond the interest rate question, there is the fact that some of these cards are hard to qualify for. If you’ve got less than stellar credit, you might be better off trying for another card, or keeping the ones you already have.

As with any other credit card, do your research before you apply. Read the terms and conditions carefully, and call for clarification on anything you don’t understand. Keep in mind that introductory periods don’t last long. Be sure you know what will happen to your APR and annual fee once the introductory period ends.

The economy has put the squeeze on airlines and credit card companies, resulting in several partnerships that benefit the airlines, the cards, and the consumer. But before you apply for these new airline reward cards, know the terms you’re agreeing to. The same economy that brought us these cards has also brought stiff penalties for late credit card payments. Speak to an agent to find out what will happen if you’re late on a payment. Follow their rules carefully, making payments on time, or early if possible. All of those perks listed above would fall flat in the face of a 32% penalty interest rate.

by: Janna Weiss

First, choose a reward card that gives you something you really need. If you’re a pet enthusiast, you might benefit greatly from reward cards that give you points for buying pet merchandise and veterinary services. On the other hand, a reward card that gives you points for shopping at Amazon.com isn’t going to benefit someone who doesn’t shop online. If you’re a frequent traveler, look for cards that can help you with gas purchases, rental cars, and airline miles. Avoid trendy reward cards that get you fancy rewards (such as helicopter rides or front-row tickets to events) unless you’re a die-hard entertainment buff. Rewards on everyday items, such as gas and groceries, will prove more valuable in the long run.

If you’ve got a predictable, recurring charge that matches your reward card, use the card to pay it. You’ll soon see those reward points adding up. And speaking of points: remember that they don’t last forever. Yours might have an expiration date, so check with your card company to see how long your reward points will be valid. Also, be sure to ask about any special promotions your card company might be running. Some specials will help you rack up those points faster. Also, if you need office supplies for your job, see if you can reach an agreement with your company whereby you charge the supplies to your reward card, the company reimburses your expenses, and you keep the reward points.

Avoid making late payments. This can cause your reward points to be forfeited. If you have already lost your reward points, call and negotiate with your card company to have some or all of them reinstated.

Finally, make sure you know how to redeem your reward points. It sounds like a no-brainer, but some reward card point systems are more user-friendly than others. Some have easy-to-navigate online catalogs; others don’t. If you’re unsure how to proceed, read your credit card agreement or call customer service for an explanation. They will be happy to assist you in redeeming your points.

Like other credit cards, reward cards vary in value. Rewards that greatly benefit one card holder might be worthless to another. Shop around online for reward cards that give you points for things you would purchase anyway. That way, all you have to do is go about your daily business to start earning reward points. Now that’s rewarding!

by: Janna Weiss

Gas rebate cards can be issued by gasoline companies or credit card companies. Generally, the ones issued by credit card companies offer more flexibility, because gas station credit cards require you to use the card at specific stores in order to realize your rebate.

Gas credit cards probably won’t save you a fortune. They will save you a dollar or two each time you fill up your tank, which can add up to a couple hundred dollars at the end of the year. If you’re creative, you can save even more. When you combine a gas rebate credit card with discount club prices, or use them to purchase and reload gas station gift cards that offer their own discounts, you can greatly increase your money-saving potential.

In some ways, gas rebate credit cards are better than standard credit cards. They typically have lower interest rates (depending on your credit score), and lower standards for customer approval. These cards are great for repairing damaged credit and building a reputation for timely payments. Some even offer rebates on automobile repairs and routine car maintenance. Do your homework to find a good deal, and turn up your nose at cards that charge annual fees. You have many cards to choose from, so you can afford to be picky.

Most gas cards offer larger rebates during the first few months of use, and smaller (though not insignificant) rebates thereafter. Others have requirements about which type of gas station you must use to get the highest rebate percentage. Still others want you to use your card for purchases other than gasoline. It’s all there in the fine print, so be sure to read every word before you sign up.

You should do plenty of research on any card you’re thinking of applying for. As with other credit cards, gas card terms can vary wildly, depending on the issuer. When shopping for the right gas card, be sure to look at the fine print rather than the introductory rates on your contract. Look for web sites that rate different gas cards according to annual interest rates and total rebate value. The Citi Dividend Platinum Select card frequently gets high marks, as do the Discover Open Road and First National Bank Gas Rewards Platinum Visa – though the latter caters to card holders with high credit scores. An hour or two of research will help you find the card that best suits your needs.

Do be aware that gas rebates are not automatic. You will most likely have to request them to be issued, similar to the way you redeem reward points on other cards. Also, there are caps in place for how much you can save each year, though these caps are high enough that they wouldn’t be an issue for the average driver.

If you do decide to get a gas credit card, keep yourself current on that card’s terms and conditions. They are subject to change, sometimes without notice. Go with a reputable issuer, and get in touch with customer support if you have any questions about your card. Finally, be sure to pay off your credit card balance every month. You don’t want to sabotage your savings by paying interest on your gasoline purchases.

Source

Last year more than 30 percent of consumers paid for holiday gifts with a credit card according to the National Retail Federation. For those with the discipline to control their debts, credit cards offer security, rewards and money saving. If you are a responsible credit card user, here are some available cards and advice that will keep on giving the whole year.

What’s the Deal?

On September 20, the NRF released its forecast for the upcoming 2007 holiday season, predicting that sales will rise 4.0 percent this year to $474.5 billion.

“Retailers are in for a somewhat challenging holiday season as consumers are faced with numerous economic obstacles,” said NRF Chief Economist Rosalind Wells. “With the weak housing market and current credit crunch, consumers will be forced to be more prudent with their holiday spending.”

According to NRF’s 2007 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, U.S. consumers plan to spend an average of $816.69 on holiday-related shopping. In addition, these shoppers will spend an additional $106.67 on special “non-gift” purchases by taking advantage of promotions and discounts to treat themselves. This brings total planned holiday-related spending to $923.36, an increase of 3.7 percent from 2006.

We all know the enthusiasm and fun or misery that comes with Black Friday shopping. Many people kick off the holiday shopping season by scooping up great deals and ringing in the discounts. Whether you will be spending exactly what BIGresearch estimates consumers will spend this year, or you plan on spending more or less—in the end, how would a rebate check for up to 5 percent sound? That check would be for more than $45 for the survey household.

How does it work?

America witnessed the start of a revolution in the credit card industry when Discover Card was unveiled nationally during the 1986 Super Bowl. At the time, annual fees were common and cash rewards were unheard of. Discover Card set out to change that as a pioneer in offering cash rewards and no annual fee.

Today nearly every credit card issuer has a card available with a cash rebate program; some have a dozen. Cards can be as basic as 1 percent cash back on every purchase, to cards that target specific purchases made at supermarkets, drugstores, gas stations and even utilities like cell phones and cable to earn you even more cash back. A cash rebate is just what the name implies: cash back. Not miles, gift cards or buy something at discount in our special shop—actual cash back.

A new credit card takes time to process and mail out, but if you act quickly you can have a new card in your hand in time to take advantage of rebates for your holiday shopping.

As more and more of these cards have become available and more and more rebates are being given out, card issuers have become very good at making sure they don’t loose money on the deal. Many cards advertise high cash back rewards; some as high as 10%. But these rewards are only for a limited time, usually three to six months, or only for specific purchases. Then the rebate amount often becomes 1%. Read the fine print carefully; it is all laid out.

Who offers what?

One of the newest cards available is the Citibank Cash Returns Card. This card offers the greatest return for your holiday spending, however it is only for your holiday spending. The Cash Returns Card will give you 5 percent cash back on all your purchases for the first 3 months. Anything purchased after about Valentine’s Day will only earn 1 percent; get that gift early.

If you’re not just looking to score a deal for the holidays there are many other cards available for long-term earnings.

When driving around and eating out is more your lifestyle, the Citibank Professional Cash Card offers 3 percent cash back at restaurants and gas stations, and if you drive a rental car you can even get 3 percent back on that too. Plus, you’ll get 1 percent for all your other purchases.

A similar card is the Citibank Dividend Card. You will earn 2 percent on purchases made at supermarkets, drugstores, gas stations, convenience stores, utilities, and cable along with 1 percent on everything else.

Over at Capital One the newest cash rebate card, No Hassle Cash Rewards, is for 1 percent cash back. With this card the upfront rebate is lower but the imaginative addition to this card is that on Halloween every year you will receive a 25 percent bonus on your earnings. That’s not scary. If in the year you charged $20,000 you would have a $200 rebate. With the bonus you would then get an additional $50.

Discover Card, the originator of the cash back program, offers 5 percent cash back all the time on something and 1 percent on everything else. The program is called Get More and every three months the category for the 5 percent cash back changes. The categories include travel, home, gas, restaurants, movies and more.

Also changing your cash back categories is the Freedom Card from Chase. But these changes are done every month to your benefit and you don’t have to do a thing. There are 15 categories for spending and whichever 3 groups you spend the most money on in the month, those will be your 3 categories. So even if you spend more on gas, groceries, and dry cleaning one month, and at drugstores, on utilities and at the veterinarian the next—you’ll automatically earn 3 percent cash back in your top 3 spending categories. Everything else will earn you 1 percent.

American Express has a card available called Blue Cash that advertises up to 5 percent cash back. It is worth mentioning because a lot of people fall over its complex rebate tiers. To explain it simply and quickly, with this card you will earn 1 percent at supermarkets, gas stations and drugstores and .05 percent on all other purchases. Only after you have charged $6500 will you earn 5 percent at supermarkets, gas stations and drugstores. That calculator is reset every year.

One of the best cards for your everyday use and made even better if you drive a lot, is called Driver’s Edge from Citibank. It offers 3 percent cash back on gas, supermarket and drugstore purchases and 1 percent for everything else. A unique addition to this card ties into the cards name: Driver’s Edge. This card actually gives you a penny for every mile you drive. Anytime you have service work done, like an oil change, send a copy of the receipt with the odometer reading to Citibank and they credit your account for the miles. A penny may not seem like a lot, but when you drive 25,000 miles a year, that equals an extra 250 bucks in addition to the 3 percent you’re getting back on all that gas. In a few years that’ll pay for your new tires and a brake job.

Driver’s Edge is not an actual cash back card, but since it is one of the best cards available, it is worth mentioning. The rebates you earn can only be used for service maintenance on your car or the purchase or lease of a car. Even though you are limited to using the money for maintenance work—doesn’t the car always seem to need an oil change or something more?

The small print!

Should you sign up? Not without first understanding the difference between what is advertised and what is in the fine print. Secondly, credit cards and their issuers have gotten a lot of bad publicity because of people blaming their problems on them. The fact is credit card companies are not at fault for the spending habits of their customers.

There has been a lot of attention paid to credit cards recently as debt estimates have been exaggerated, and some have gone so far as to call credit cards evil. Credit cards are dangerous, not evil. If you are a mature, responsible and educated person, there are many benefits to using credit cards that will be outlined in a coming article.

Thousands of people charge thousands of dollars a day and get cash back, free airline tickets, free hotel stays, free movies—all with the simple process of swiping a piece of plastic. Why are these people able to handle their credit properly and carefully and others not? It has nothing to do with the credit card company or the card that they use; it has everything to do with the individual using it.

If you are not going to use credit cards responsibly, be it as a way to pay for things with simple convenience, take the rewards and benefits cards offer, or as a strategic financial tool, then you shouldn’t use them.

by: Jon Riemann