If you use them wisely, credit cards can give you all sorts of benefits, from a good deal on a vacation package to simple peace of mind. People who are not wise will charge the vacation to their credit card and then stress out later about how they are going to pay for that. If you want to manage a credit card well, read here for great ideas on ways to manage it wisely.
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.
Lots of cards give large bonuses simply for signing up. Read the fine print before signing up, however, because there are often many ways you could be disqualified from the bonus. A common requirement is to spend enough on the card within a short period of time. Only apply for the card if you expect to meet the level of spending needed to get the bonus.
Make sure that you make your payments on time when you have a credit card. The extra fees are where the credit card companies get you. It is very important to make sure you pay on time to avoid those costly fees. This will also reflect positively on your credit report.
To make the best decision regarding the best credit card for you, compare what the interest rate is amongst several credit card options. If a card has a high interest rate, it means that you will pay a higher interest expense on your card’s unpaid balance, which can be a real burden on your wallet.
Try to avoid any credit card fees–late payment fees, annual fees, and exceeded limit fees. Both fees are pretty expensive and can also affect your credit score. Keep an eye on your balance so it does not exceed your credit limit.
When you receive any credit card correspondence, whether in the form of a letter or email, take the time to read it. Credit card companies can add or change fees, interest rates, and annual fees if they provide you with a written notice of such changes. Read the correspondence carefully to check for any unwanted changes. You have the right to cancel your card if you don’t like these changes!
When looking to open a credit card, start by eliminating any with annual fees or high interest rates. Given the sheer number of cards on the market that do not have annual fees, acquiring cards that do require such fees is unnecessary.
If you are not satisfied with the high interest rate on your credit card, but aren’t interested in transferring the balance somewhere else, try negotiating with the issuing bank. You can sometimes get a lower interest rate if you tell the issuing bank that you are considering transferring your balances to a different credit card that offers low-interest transfers. They may lower your rate in order to keep your business!
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. Many people have admitted they have stolen credit cards out of unlocked mailboxes.
To make sure you select an appropriate credit card based on your needs, determine what you would like to use your credit card rewards for. Many credit cards offer different rewards programs such as those that give discounts on travel, groceries, gas or electronics so pick a card that suits you best!
If you can’t get a credit card because of a spotty credit record, then take heart. There are still some options that may be quite workable for you. A secured credit card is much easier to get and may help you rebuild your credit record very effectively. With a secured card, you deposit a set amount into a savings account with a bank or lending institution – often about $500. That amount becomes your collateral for the account, which makes the bank willing to work with you. You use the card as a normal credit card, keeping expenses under that limit. As you pay your monthly bills responsibly, the bank may decide to raise your limit and eventually convert the account to a traditional credit card.
Even without the advantages of points and perks like vacations, credit cards can be great tools to have at your disposal. People who don’t use their credit cards in a healthy manner will end up suffering high amounts of stress in the future. Use the information you have learned here to be in the group you want to be in.
