Dealing with Credit Cards
In this “consumer beware” world that we all live in, any sound financial advice you can get is helpful. Especially, when it comes to using credit cards. The following article will offer you that sound advice on dealing with credit cards wisely, and avoiding costly mistakes that will have you paying for a long time to come!
Do not use your credit cards to make emergency purchases. Many people believe that this is the best dealing with credit cards, but the best use is actually for things that you purchase on a regular basis, like groceries. The key is, to only charge things that you will be able to pay back in a timely manner.
Any fraudulent charges made using your credit should be reported immediately. If you do this immediately, you will help your credit card company catch the person who stole your credit card. This is also the best way to make sure that you are not held responsible for these charges. To report any unauthorized charges to your card, either call or email your credit card issuer.
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 help you get the maximum value from your credit card, choose a card which provides rewards based on the amount of money you spend. Many credit card rewards programs will give you up to two percent of your spending back as rewards which can make your purchases much more economical.
If you have poor credit and want to repair it, consider a pre-paid credit card. This type of credit card can usually be found at your local bank. You can only use the money that you have loaded onto the card, but it is used as a real credit card, with payments and statements. By making regular payments, you will be repairing your credit and raising your credit score.
Be sure you don’t order credit cards if your mailbox isn’t lockable. Lots of credit card thieves say that they have taken cards from people’s unlocked mailboxes.
Anytime you apply for a credit card, you should always familiarize yourself with the terms of service that comes along with it. This will allow you to know what you can and cannot use your card for, as well as, any fees that you might possibly incur in different situations.
Never leave a space blank on your credit card receipt when you make a purchase. If there is a tip line and you are not charging your gratuity, mark a line across the area to ensure nobody adds in an unauthorized amount. Always verify the fact that your purchases agree with what you statement says.
Consider unsolicited credit card offers very carefully before you accept them. If an offer that comes to you looks good, read all the fine print to make sure you understand the time limit for any introductory offers on interest rates. Also, be aware of fees that are required for transferring a balance to the account.
Students who have credit cards, should be particularly careful of what they use it for. Most students do not have a large monthly income, so it is important to spend their money carefully. Charge something on a credit card if, you are totally sure you will be able to pay your bill at the end of the month.
Credit Card
If you find that you have spent more on your credit cards than you can repay, seek help in dealing with credit cards debt. It is easy to get carried away, especially around the holidays, and spend more than you intended. There are many credit card consumer organizations, that can help get you back on track.
Do not use your credit cards to make emergency purchases. Many people believe that this is the best use of credit cards, but the best use is actually for things that you purchase on a regular basis, like groceries. The key is, to only charge things that you will be able to pay back in a timely manner.
Student Credit Cards
Students looking for credit cards must be aware of any fees or charges that come with account offers. Often you will find that credit cards for students have a lot of fees and penalties that can add up so do a lot of research to find the card that will work best for you.
Cash Back Credit Cards
Look out for cash back credit cards. These types of credit cards give you cash back on every purchase that you make with the credit card. Cash back rates can range from 1% to 5%, so over the course of a year, you could actually earn a lot of cash back.
Secured Credit Cards
A lot of banks no longer issue secured credit cards, but it is common to find them being offered through credit unions. If you would like to sign up for a secured credit card, you can open an account with a credit union and take advantage of whatever cards they offer.
Prepaid Credit Cards
Consider using your credit cards for all of your spending in order to avoid bank fees and other hassles. Some credit cards can be fee-free when paid off in full every month, whereas debit cards can have fees all over the place. Lots of people are avoiding banks by using their credit cards instead of debit.
Types Of Credit Cards
Look out for cash back credit cards. These types of credit cards give you cash back on every purchase that you make with the credit card. Cash back rates can range from 1% to 5%, so over the course of a year, you could actually earn a lot of cash back.
Hopefully the above article has given you the information necessary to avoid getting in to trouble with your credit cards! It can be so easy to let our finances slip away from us, and then we face serious consequences. Keep the advice you have read here in mind, the next time you go to charge it!