Is it possible to use credit cards responsibly, or do you feel as though they are only for the fiscally brash? If you believe that it is impossible to use a credit card in a healthy manner, you are mistaken. This article has some great tips on responsible credit usage.
Try to keep at least two, but not more than three, credit lines open simultaneously. This can build up a credit score, and this is especially true if you’re able to pay them monthly. Keep in mind that maintaining more than three cards may not be a good idea. It could raise doubts in the minds of lenders who look at your credit report.
When getting a premium card you should verify whether or not there are annual fees attached to it, since they can be pretty pricey. The annual fee for a platinum or black card could cost from $100, all the way up to $1,000, depending on how exclusive the card is. Avoid paying these fees by refraining from signing up for exclusive credit cards if you don’t really need them.
Make sure that you pore over your credit card statement each and every month, to make sure that every single charge on your bill has been authorized by you. Many people fail to do this and it is much harder to fight fraudulent charges after a lot of time has passed.
An important aspect of smart credit card usage is to pay the entire outstanding balance, each and every month, whenever possible. By keeping your usage percentage low, you will help keep your overall credit score high, as well as, keep a substantial amount of available credit open for use in case of emergencies.
Pay your minimum payment on time each month, to avoid more fees. If you can afford to, pay more than the minimum payment so that you can reduce the interest fees. Just be sure to pay the minimum amount before the due date.
Fully read the disclosure statement before you accept a credit card. This statement explains the terms of use for that card, including any associated interest rates and late fees. By reading the statement, you can understand the card you are choosing, in order to make effective decisions when it comes to paying it off.
A great way to save money on credit cards is to spend the time necessary to comparison shop for cards that offer the most advantageous terms. If you have a decent credit history, it is highly likely that you can obtain cards with no annual fee, low interest rates and perhaps, even incentives such as airline miles.
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.
Many people, especially when they are younger, feel like credit cards are a type of free money. The fact is, they are exactly the opposite, paid money. Remember, every time you use your credit card, you are basically taking out a micro-loan with incredibly high interest. Never forget that you must repay this loan.
If you use credit cards, consider obtaining a free credit report every year. Check to ensure that all the information is correct. Make sure that everything in the report matches up and that your credit history is being reported with a great level of accuracy.
Always pay your credit card bill on time. Paying credit card bills late, can result in addition charges on your next bill, such as late fees and interest charges. In addition to this, late payments can adversely affect your credit score. This can negatively affect your ability to make purchases, and receive loans in the future.
Your oldest credit card is the one that affects your credit report the most. Do not close this account unless the cost of keeping it open is too high. If you are paying an annual fee, ridiculous interest rates, or something similar, then close the account. Otherwise, keep that one open, as it can be the most beneficial to your credit score.
Do not falsify information about how much your income is so that you can get a credit card with a high limit. Some companies fail to verify your income but offer you a card that has a high limit. The result can be that you charge a higher amount of money than you are able to pay.
Don’t forget the things you learned in this article, and you are well on your way to having a healthier financial life which includes responsible credit use. Each of these tips are very useful on their own, but when used in conjunction, you will find your credit health improving significantly.
