Bank cards usually are associated to borrowing, spending and big interest rates. Having said that, if you use credit cards properly, they can also provide you with certain benefits, such as conveniences, peace of mind, and even certain rewards. If you want to know a little bit more about how to go about having a credit card in the right way, keep on reading!
Many consumers improperly and irresponsibly use bank cards. While going into debt is understandable in some circumstances, there are many people who abuse the privileges and end up with payments they cannot afford. It is always best to keep your full balance paid completely off every month. Your credit score will be improved by paying the balance in full each month.
Credit Score
Your credit score is important, and it can help you to get fantastic credit card offers. Credit card companies generally use your credit score when issuing benefits with their charge cards. The best cards are offered to people with great scores.
If you cannot afford something, don’t put it on a credit card. The fact that you desire a new television is not sufficient justification for charging it on a credit card. It costs a lot of interest, and that makes monthly payments pretty much impossible. Slow down and think things over before deciding whether to buy an expensive item on credit. If you still want the item, see if the store offers in house financing with better rates.
Credit Card
Never lend your credit card to a family member or friend. It’s a bad idea to lend them out to anyone, even friends in need. You could be struck with expensive over-limit charges by your credit card provider if your friend accidentally overspends.
This situation is so common that it is probably one you are familiar with. You open your mail to find another credit card offer. Sometimes you are in the market for one, and often times you may not be. Make sure to rip apart the application before you throw it out. Simply tossing it away leaves you at the risk of identity theft.
Interest Rates
Don’t think that interest rates they offer you are written in stone and cannot be changed. The credit card business is a competition. Therefore, all card companies have varying interest rates they can utilize. If you do not like your current interest rate, contact your bank and request that they lower it.
If you cannot make your scheduled payments, you can damage your credit rating. If this happens then it can make it hard to rent an apartment, finance a car, get insurance or even in some cases, get a job.
Beyond knowing the interest rate and APR, it is important to also look into any other hidden fees that you may be charged. Some fees that you may overlook include the annual fee, excessive late charges, cash advance fees and service charges.
If you’re thinking of doing a balance transfer, read all of the fine print first. Understand what will happen when this introduction period is over. Quite often, these offers mask extremely high interest rates when the time period is over. Make sure you are aware of what you are signing up for when getting the credit card.
Don’t pay your credit card bills with credit cards. Some people try to get cash advances in the mail in the form of money orders. They think this will help them continue on another month. The interest rates involved with a cash advance creates a larger debt.
Interest Rates
If you missed a payment and have now been assessed higher interest rates or penalty fees by your card issuer, request that they be removed or reduced. If you’re late with a payment, you can be charged increased fees and interest rates. You can usually get these extra charges reduced if you call up the credit card company.
When used carefully, charge cards are very beneficial. Whether its financial flexibility, emergency funds, or accumulating rewards, credit cards can really make your life quite a bit easier. Use the knowledge you gained to manage your credit card, and build good credit.
