Some people say that dealing with credit cards can be a real challenge. However, if you have the right guidance, credit card issues will be much less of a burden on your life. This article provides several tips to help anyone understand more about the credit card industry.
Keep track of how much money you are spending when using a credit card. Small, incidental purchases can add up quickly, and it is important to know how much you have spend on them, so you can understand how much you owe. You can keep track with a check register, spreadsheet program, or even with an online option offered by many credit card companies.
When you are getting your first credit card, or any card for that matter, make sure you pay close attention to the payment schedule, interest rate, and all terms and conditions. Many people neglect to read this information, but it is definitely to your benefit if you take the time to read through it.
To verify you are not paying for premium features you don’t need on your credit card, see if the card company charges an annual fee for it. The annual fees for platinum and black cards range from one hundred to one thousand dollars, according to how exclusive the card is. If you do not need a premium card, don’t get one.
If you have multiple cards that have a balance on them, you should avoid getting new cards. Even if you are paying everything back on time, there is no reason for you to take the chance of getting another card and making your financial situation any more strained than it already is.
As soon as you receive your credit cards, sign them. A lot of people skip this step and have their cards stolen. Many merchants require the cashier to verify the signature matches so that you can keep your card safer.
Credit cards are often essential for young people or couples. Even if you don’t feel comfortable holding a large amount of credit, it is important to actually have a credit account and have some activity running through it. Opening and using a credit account helps you to build your credit score.
If you are thinking of ordering a credit card via the mail, ensure you properly protect your personal information by having a mailbox with a lock. A lot of people who have stolen credit cards in the past did so with ease, because they’ve done it on mailboxes that aren’t locked.
Do not lend out credit cards under any circumstance. You may trust your friend, but it can cause problems. It is never a good idea to let friends use your card. It can lead to over-limit charges if your friend should put more on the card than you had authorized them to.
Look into whether a balance transfer will benefit you. Yes, balance transfers can be very tempting. The rates and deferred interest often offered by credit card companies are typically substantial. But if it is a large sum of money you are considering transferring, then the high interest rate normally tacked onto the back end of the transfer may mean that you actually pay more over time than if you had kept your balance where it was. Do the math before jumping in.
Find a credit card that rewards you for your spending. Spend money on the card that you would need to spend anyway, such as gas, groceries and even, utility bills. Pay this card off each month as you would those bills, but you get to keep the rewards as a bonus.
Many people, especially when they are younger, feel like credit cards are a type of free money. The fact is, they are exactly the opposite, paid money. Remember, every time you use your credit card, you are basically taking out a micro-loan with incredibly high interest. Never forget that you must repay this loan.
Every time you use a credit card, think about the extra expense that it will incur if you don’t pay it off immediately. Remember, the price of an item can quickly double if you use credit without paying for it quickly. If you keep this in mind, you are more likely to pay off your credit quickly.
Shred old credit card receipts and statements. You can easily purchase an inexpensive home office shredder to handle this task. Those receipts and statements, often contain your credit card number, and if a dumpster diver happened to get hold of that number, they could use your card without your knowledge.
Stay away from any card that imposes an annual fee. Generally, cards with no annual fees are given to people who have better credit scores. An annual fee can quickly cancel out any rewards a card offers. Make the calculations. Many companies do not mention the fees and you have to search the fine print to find them. Dig out the reading glasses and take a good look at the terms. If the fees and APR are ridiculously high, do not use the card unless you encounter an emergency. In many cases, the fees will not make any benefits worth your while.
Keep your credit card spending to a small percentage of your total credit limit. Usually 30 percent is about right. If you spend too much, it’ll be harder to pay off, and won’t look good on your credit report. In contrast, using your credit card lightly lessens your stress, and can help improve your credit score.
As was discussed earlier in the article, some people have a hard time understanding credit cards at first glance. However, with more information, they can make much more informed and suitable choices relating to their credit card decisions. Follow this article’s advice and you will ensure a more successful approach to managing your own credit card or cards.
