No one wants to lose out on the big things in life like buying a car or a house, because they misused their credit cards earlier on in life. This article has lots of ways to avoid big mistakes regarding credit cards, and also ways you can start to get out of a jam, if you’ve already created one.
Only take cash advances from your credit card when you absolutely have to. The finance charges for cash advances are very high, and very difficult to pay off. Only use them for situations in which you have no other option. But you must truly feel that you will be able to make considerable payments on your credit card, soon after.
If you are called and asked for the number of your credit card, refuse to divulge it. This is something most scammers do. Be sure to give you number only to businesses that you trust. Never give your credit information to someone that has called you. Regardless of who they claim they are, you have no way of verifying it if you did not call them.
Never believe your offered interest rate is absolute and should remain this way. Remember, the credit industry is competitive between companies, and each company has different rates available to them. If you are unhappy with your current interest rate, contact your bank or credit card company and ask for a better rate.
If you ever have a charge on your card that is an error on the credit card company’s behalf, you can get the charges taken off. The way you do this is by sending them the date of the bill and what the charge is. You are protected from these things by the Fair Credit Billing Act.
An important thing to remember when using credit cards is to do whatever is necessary to avoid going over your specified credit limit. By making certain that you always remain within your allowable credit, you can avoid costly fees that card issuers frequently assess and guarantee that your account always remains in good standing.
Shop different credit cards before applying to find out the perks each offers. Some offer roadside assistance, while others offer airline perks, like free baggage check. Some will also offer buyer protections, above and beyond what a store offers. Depending on your buying habits, one credit card may offer perks that fit you best.
Pay your entire balance every month. If you leave a balance on your card, you’ll have to pay finance charges, and interest that you wouldn’t pay if you pay everything in full each month. In addition, you won’t feel pressured to try to wipe out a big credit card bill, if you charge only a small amount each month.
Even if you cannot make your minimum monthly payment on a credit card, you should pay something. No matter how modest the amount, this will tell your credit card company that you are trying to deal fairly with them. If your problems continue, you will find your company more inclined to work with you if you have been making at least some payments.
While it might be tempting to use your credit card to pay for everything, when it comes to small purchases, it’s better to leave the plastic in your wallet. Many retailers require a minimum purchase amount to use your credit card. Only use your credit card if your purchase is for at least 10 dollars.
Always examine the fine print prior to applying for any secured credit card. Some companies indicate that only a small deposit will be necessary, but fail to highlight the fact that their excessive fees will greatly deplete the credit that is actually available on the card.
Never do a balance transfer for the wrong reasons. If you have checked out all of the details and it sounds good, you have to make sure it is still worth the hassle. How long have you been with the other company and how much money is this going to save you?
If you have misused your credit card, remember that you still have rights. Credit card collection agencies must follow the law concerning how they can collect the debt if you have stopped making payments on your card. Find out what the laws of your state are and report a collection agency that doesn’t follow the law.
You should not try to have more than one or two credit cards in total since having access to more cards will only mean that you are paying more back in the end. If you notice you have a large balance on one card you should know that you cannot handle having more than one.
If you are choosing a credit card based on the rewards or perks offered, make sure you understand everything about the program before agreeing to it. Thoroughly look over it to see if an expiration date is on this reward, and determine if you want to use these rewards before they expire.
The key to securing the best possible credit rates and terms, is keeping a close eye on your credit report and making changes and corrections where necessary. Consumers with stellar credit histories have broad access to cards with low or zero interest, cards that boast rewards programs that can be truly worthwhile, and cards that do not come with costly annual membership fees.
Don’t let your past issues with credit cards slow you down in the future. There are many things you can do right now, to start digging yourself out of that hole. If you’ve managed to stay out of it up to this point, then the advice you read here can keep you on the right track.
