When you think of fiscal responsibility, what are the words that come to mind? Many people think of stocks, bonds, or saving, but few people consider Credit Cards to be responsible. The truth is, that most successful people do use credit cards, however, they are responsible with their usage.
Many credit card offers include substantial bonuses when you open a new account. Make certain you completely understand fine print in the terms and conditions though, because a lot of the credit card companies have very particular terms for you to qualify for before you get the bonus. Commonly, you are required to spend a particular amount within a couple months of signing up to get the bonus. Check that you can meet this or any other qualifications before signing up; don’t get distracted by excitement over the bonus.
It is good to keep in mind that credit card companies are not your friends when you look at minimum monthly payments. They set minimum payments in order to maximize the amount of interest you pay them. Make payments beyond what your minimum payment is set at. Minimize the amount of interest you end up paying.
If at all possible, pay off your credit card in full each month. You should only use credit cards for convenience and you should always pay the full amount when it is due. Using credit cards and paying the balance in full builds up your credit rating, and ensures no interest will be charged to your account.
If you find that you have spent more on your credit cards than you can repay, seek help to manage your credit card 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.
Instead of just blindly applying for cards, hoping for approval, and letting credit card companies decide your terms for you, know what you are in for. One way to effectively do this is, to get a free copy of your credit report. This will help you know a ballpark idea of what cards you might be approved for, and what your terms might look like.
Take advantage of the freebies offered by your credit card company. Many companies have some sort of cash back or points system that is attached to the card you own. When you use these things, you can receive cash or merchandise, just for using your card. If your card does not offer an incentive like this, call your credit card company and ask if it can be added.
If you are determined to stop using credit cards, cutting them up is not necessarily the best way to do it. Just because the card is gone doesn’t mean the account is no longer open. If you get desperate, you may ask for a new card to use on that account, and get trapped in the same cycle of charging you wanted to get out of in the first place!
It may seem unnecessary to many people, but be sure to save receipts for the purchases that you make on your credit card. Take the time each month to be sure that the receipts match up to your credit card statement. It will help you manage your charges, as well as, help you catch unjust charges.
Online purchases should only be with trusted vendors whom you have checked out before divulging information. Try calling the listed phone numbers to ensure the company is in business and always avoid purchases from companies that do not have a physical address listed.
Avoid paying off your credit card balance immediately after you use the card. Pay the whole balance instead once your credit card statement comes. Your payment history will look better, and your credit score will improve.
Keep one low-limit card in your wallet for emergency expenses only. All other cards should be kept at home, to avoid impulse buys that you can’t really afford. If you need a card for a large purchase, you will have to knowingly get it from your home and take it with you. This will give you extra time to think about what you are buying.
Never give your credit card number out, over the phone or online, without knowing and trusting the company you are dealing with. If you’re getting unsolicited offers that require a card number, you should be suspicious. There are many scams out there that want your credit card number. Be thorough and protect your card number.
If you would like to use a credit card, you must understand the ins and outs. This is because the truth is that credit cards, while useful, can also be dangerous in the wrong hands. You need to be aware of the common traps that happen with credit usage, in order to avoid them.
