Safe Usage of Credit cards can be your best friend or your worst enemy. With just a little attention or energy, you can go out on a shopping spree that ruins you financially for months or maybe even, rack enough points for airline tickets to Europe. To make the most out of your credit cards, read on.
Obtain a copy of your credit score, before you begin applying for a credit card. Credit card companies will determine your interest rate and conditions of credit by using your credit history, among other factors. Checking your credit score before you apply, will allow you to make sure you are getting the best rate possible.
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.
Be sure to check your credit card’s terms to see if it charges an annual fee to use the card. You want to make sure that you don’t pay a premium for the credit card. Depending on how exclusive the card is, a platinum or black card may carry a fee of $100 to $1000. If you have no need for such an exclusive card, you may wish to avoid the fees associated with them.
Don’t pay any fees upfront when you are getting a credit card. The legitimate card issuers will not ask for any money up front, unless you’re getting a secured credit card. When you are applying for a secured card, be sure to find out how the deposit is going to be used.
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.
When you are making a purchase with your credit card you, make sure that you check the receipt amount. Refuse to sign it if it is incorrect. Many people sign things too quickly, and then they realize that the charges are incorrect. It causes a lot of hassle.
Don’t buy things that you can’t pay for on a credit card. A credit card isn’t the magical solution to getting the flat screen TV or new computer that you have always wanted. Not only will you be saddled with interest, it may cause your monthly payments to become too high for you to keep up with. Leave before buying anything, think it through and then return if you want to buy it. If you still want to buy it, you should consider the financing offered by the store, since the interest rates are usually lower.
We have all experienced it: You receive yet another credit card offer in the mail. Depending on the time frame, you may or may not be in the market. Whenever you discard this type of mail, you need to destroy it. Don’t throw it out without taking this step because your personal information may be on the credit card offer.
Try to keep your credit card accounts open for a long period of time. It is unwise to move to different issuers unless you have to. The amount of time that your account has been open will have an impact on your credit score. Another element to establishing credit is to maintain and keep you credit accounts open and active at all times.
Safe Usage of Credit Cards
Consumers should shop around for credit cards before settling on one. Many different credit cards are available, each offering a different interest rate, annual fee, and some, even offering bonus features. By shopping around, an individual can find one that best meets their needs. They can also get the best deal when it comes to using their credit card.
Credit Cards
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 (Safe Usage of Credit Cards).
Student Credit Cards
Students who are looking for a credit card should be aware of the fees and terms of any card they apply for. Credit cards offered to students usually have annual fees and higher interest rates, so do your homework before choosing one.
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
Use credit cards if you don’t want to pay bank fees. There are many cards that are free of fees if paid in full monthly, though debit cards may carry consistent fees. Many people use prepaid credit cards for direct deposit of their paychecks and bypass banks completely to save money.
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.
As was mentioned earlier, credit cards can accelerate your life. This can happen towards piles of debt or rewards that lead to dream vacations. To properly manage your credit cards, you must manage yourself and intentions towards them. Apply what you have read in this article to make the most of your cards.