Don't cut up your credit cards to stop yourself from overusing them. Instead, read this article to learn how to use credit cards properly. Not having any credit cards at all can hurt your credit score, so you can't afford not to use credit. Continue reading, to learn how to use it appropriately.
If possible, pay your credit cards in full, every month. Use them for normal expenses, such as, gasoline and groceries and then, proceed to pay off the balance at the end of the month. This will build your credit and help you to gain rewards from your card, without accruing interest or sending you into debt.
Paying your credit card bill on time is one of the most important factors in your credit score. Your credit score can suffer if your payments are late, and hefty fees are frequently imposed. It can be very helpful to set up some kind of automatic payment schedule through your bank or credit card company.
A way to make sure you are not paying too much for certain types of cards, be sure that they do not come with high annual fees. Some exclusive credit cards require you to pay between 0 and ,000 per year to keep the card, depending on exactly how exclusive the card is. If you don't care about exclusivity, these cards aren't for you.
Keep an eye on mailings from your credit card company. While some might be junk mail offering to sell you additional services, or products, some mail is important. Credit card companies must send a mailing, if they are changing the terms on your credit card. Sometimes a change in terms can cost you money. Make sure to read mailings carefully, so you always understand the terms that are governing your credit card use.
When you are using your credit card at an ATM make sure that you swipe it and return it to a safe place as quickly as possible. There are many people that will look over your shoulder to try to see the information on the card and use it for fraudulent purposes.
Always read emails or letters from your credit card company immediately. Credit card companies can make changes to your annual membership fees and things like your interest rates but they have to send you a letter explaining what they have changed. If you don't like the changes, you have the right to cancel your credit account.
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!
Always know what your utilization ratio is on your credit cards. This is the amount of debt that is on the card versus your credit limit. For instance, if the limit on your card is 0 and you have a balance of 0, you are using 50% of your limit. It is recommended to keep your utilization ratio of around 30%, in order to keep your credit rating good.
When shopping online, use care when paying for purchases with credit cards. When applying or doing anything with credit cards online, always verify that the website you are on is secure. A secure site ensures your card information is safe. Do not pay any attention to emails that want your credit card details.
Try setting up a monthly, automatic payment for your credit cards, in order to avoid late fees. The amount you need for your payment can be automatically withdrawn from your bank account and it will take the worry out of getting your monthly payment in on time. It can also save money on stamps!
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 0. 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.
Find a credit card that rewards you for your spending. Spend money on the card that you would need to spend anyway, such as gas, groceries and even, utility bills. Pay this card off each month as you would those bills, but you get to keep the rewards as a bonus.
Be sure to go over the laws on credit cards that have been passed recently. A credit card company is prevented by law from retroactively increasing rates, for example. They are also never allowed to double-cycle their billing practices. Study all relevant laws. Recently, the FCBA and CARD Act were established.
Pay close attention to all of the interest rates on your credit cards. Many cards charge you different rates depending on the type of transaction you execute. Cash advances and balance transfers commonly command a higher rate than ordinary purchases. You must keep this in mind before you begin shifting money on and off various cards.
You should close all credit card accounts that you don't use. Having cards lying around, even if you're not using them, can lead to identity theft. It's not worth the risk. You could be charged fees if you are holding a card you don't use.
You should understand why it is important to have just one or two cards you use regularly once you are finished reading this article. Hang on to the credit card applications you get. Simply keep the advice of this article in mind and use your credit wisely.
Orignal From: Got Credit Cards? Use These Helpful Tips
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