Credit cards may be simple in principle, but they certainly can get complicated when it comes time to charging you, interest rates, hidden fees and so on! The following article will enlighten you to some very helpful ways that you can use your credit cards smartly and avoid the many problems that misusing them can cause.
Do not consider using a credit card from a retail store unless you shop there regularly. Even applying for a card with the store will reflect badly on your credit score if you’re not accepted, and there’s no sense in applying if you’re not a regular shopper. Too many retail store inquiries will cause a hit to your credit score.
Do not lend your credit card to anyone. Credit cards are as valuable as cash, and lending them out can get you into trouble. If you lend them out, the person might overspend, making you responsible for a large bill at the end of the month. Even if the person is worthy of your trust, it is better to keep your credit cards to yourself.
Practice sound financial management by only charging purchases that you know you will be able to pay off. Credit cards can be a quick and dangerous way to rack up large amounts of debt that you may not be able to pay off. Don’t use them to live off of, if you are unable to come up with the funds to do so.
Do not sign up for a credit card because you see it as a way to fit in or as a status symbol. While it may seem like fun to be able to pull it out and pay for things when you have no money, you will regret it, when it is time to pay the credit card company back.
It is best to stay away from charging holiday gifts and other holiday-related expenditures. If you can’t afford it, either save to buy what you want or just buy less-expensive gifts. Your best friends and relatives will understand that you are on a budget. You can always ask ahead of time for a limit on gift amounts or draw names. The bonus is that you won’t be spending the next year paying for this year’s Christmas!
An important tip when it comes to smart credit card usage is, resisting the urge to use cards for cash advances. By refusing to access credit card funds at ATMs, you will be able to avoid the frequently exorbitant interest rates, and fees credit card companies often charge for such services.
Avoid prepaid cards if you are looking to get a secured credit card. Prepaid cards are debit cards, not credit cards, so they don’t affect your credit score. Oftentimes, there are extra fees charges for this. Put down a deposit and get yourself an actual secured credit card so that it reports to the credit bureaus, improving your score.
Before you pick a credit card be sure that it accepted at most businesses in your area. There are only a few credit card companies that are accepted nationwide, so be sure you know which ones these are if you plan to purchase things around the country. Also, if you plan to travel abroad, be sure you have a card that is accepted where you might travel as well.
With your credit cards bills, it is important that you make payment no later than your monthly due date. If you pay your credit card bill late, you may be assessed a late payment fee. Paying your bill late can also cause the percentage of interest to be raised on your unpaid balance. These actions will negatively affect your credit score.
Don’t lie about your income when applying for credit cards. Companies that offer these cards may not verify income, which means you will get a high limit card, but you may spend more money and incur more debt.
Upon closing a credit account, it is imperative that you destroy the associated card. If you decide to throw it into a drawer or give it to your child to play with, it could end up in someone’s hands, and they could use the information to reopen the account and charge up debt in your name.
If you have good credit, but still have credit cards with high interest rates, it is time to call the banks and negotiate lower rates. In some instances they will. If you keep a balance on the card, this can help to save quite a bit of money.
Sometimes, people get excited about certain rewards programs, and they make a hasty decision to go with that particular company. First of all, check the fine print. Second of all, make sure you know what else is out there, before you jump into a relationship with a credit card company.
If you are hit with a credit card fee that is unavoidable, perhaps due to an emergency situation, call your credit card company. Sometimes they will waive these fees for certain users. The key is to only ask if you are a person who always pays their bill on time and only needs a one time exception, otherwise your request will be turned down.
Decide on the specific use of a credit card before deciding to get one. Applying for a credit card just to have one is a very bad idea. Be sure that you have a need for the credit card and will be able to make the payments on it before you get one.
Hopefully, this article has opened your eyes as a consumer who wishes to use credit cards with wisdom. Your financial well-being is a crucial part of your happiness and your ability to plan for the future. Keep the tips that you have read here in mind for later use, so that you can stay in the green, when it comes to credit card usage!
