Credit cards are great for many reasons. They can be used, instead of cash to purchase things. They can also be used to build an individuals credit score. There are also some bad qualities that are attributed to credit cards as well, such as identity theft and debt, when they fall into the wrong hands or are used incorrectly. You can learn how to use your credit card the right way with the tips in the following article.
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.
When it comes to credit cards, always try to spend no more than you can pay off at the end of each billing cycle. By doing this, you can help to avoid high interest rates, late fees and other such financial pitfalls. This is also a great way to keep your credit score high.
Only open a credit card at a retail store if you shop there often. The initial credit inquiry with the credit bureaus that a retail store makes to sign you up will end up on your credit report, whether or not you end up opening an account. Excessive inquiries from those retailers on your report can drop your credit score.
Make friends with your credit card issuer. Most major credit card issuers have a Facebook page. They might offer perks for those that “friend” them. They also use the forum to address customer complaints, so it is to your advantage to add your credit card company to your friend list. This applies, even if you don’t like them very much!
Make sure you set up a budget with regards to your credit card. You need a budget for the money you make; therefore, your credit should be included in it. Never view credit cards as extra money. Set aside a specific amount that you can safely spend on a card every month. Adhere to that budget, and pay your balance in full each month.
As a general rule, you should avoid applying for any credit cards that come with any type of free offer. More often than not, anything that you get free with credit card applications will always come with some sort of catch or hidden costs that you are sure to regret later on down the road.
It is good credit card practice to pay your full balance at the end of each month. This will force you to charge only what you can afford, and reduces the amount of interest you carry from month to month which can add up to some major savings down the line.
Everyone has experienced this. “You have been pre-approved for a credit card!” Not everyone wants a credit card, but that doesn’t stop the mail from coming in. Be sure to tear up the solicits prior to throwing them way. Don’t throw it out without taking this step because your personal information may be on the credit card offer.
Make sure that any websites that you use to make purchases with your credit card are secure. Sites that are secure will have “https” heading the URL instead of “http.” If you do not see that, then you should avoid purchasing anything from that site and try to find another place to buy from.
You should ask the people at your bank if you can have an extra checkbook register, so that you can keep track of all of the purchases that you make with your credit card. Many people lose track and they assume their monthly statements are right and there is a huge chance that there may have been errors.
Never allow yourself to open too many credit card accounts. Instead, find two or three that really work for you and stick to those. Having too many credit cards can harm your credit and it makes using money that you do not have that much easier. Stick to a couple cards and you will remain safe.
Avoid prepaid cards at all costs when looking for cards. Prepaid cards are not credit cards at all, and they don’t report to any of the credit bureaus. In actuality, these cards are really just high-interest checking accounts that are loaded with extra costs and fees. Make a deposit and obtain an actual secured credit card. These report to the credit bureaus and will help you build your credit rating.
Now that you see the good and bad sides of credit cards, you can prevent the bad things from happening. Using the tips you have learned here, you can use your credit card to buy items and build your credit score without being in debt or suffering from identity theft at the hands of a crook.
