[njbchbum]

when i first ventured onto the internet a wise person suggested that users obtain a secured credit card for use in signing up for internet service. i found a company that offered me $250 credit for a $50 deposit with a bank in south dakota. checked out the bank to make sure it WAS a bank and made my deposit. now, that was YEARS ago but i am still using that card today! have no store credit cards and just use my secured card - especially for my on-line shopping. the credit card agreement comes with all of today's usual protections - BUT - purchases that would put the total beyond that $250 limit would be declined rather than processed and a penalty assessed for the overage. it really works for me 'cause i don't have to worry if it is taken away by a server in a restaurant. with such a small charging limit it can pretty much remember every place i use it each month!