There are people afraid of using a credit card because of the myriad of problems they can present. This is understandable, but credit cards do not have to be scary. If you need to buy something that you don’t have the cash for or don’t want to spend the cash on immediately, you can use a credit card. The following article contains some valuable credit card advice.
Be safe when giving out your credit card information. If you like to order things online with it, then you have to be sure the website is secure. If you notice charges that you didn’t make, call the customer service number for the credit card company. They can help deactivate your card and make it unusable, until they mail you a new one with a new account number.
Do not lend your credit card to anyone. Credit cards are as valuable as cash, and lending them out can get you into trouble. If you lend them out, the person might overspend, making you responsible for a large bill at the end of the month. Even if the person is worthy of your trust, it is better to keep your credit cards to yourself.
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!
If you have a credit card with high interest you should consider transferring the balance. Many credit card companies offer special rates, including 0% interest, when you transfer your balance to their credit card. Do the math to figure out if this is beneficial to you before you make the decision to transfer balances.
Create a budget to which you can adhere. Just because you were given a limit by the company issuing your credit card doesn’t mean you need to go that far. Know how much you will be able to afford to pay for that month so you can pay it off each month to avoid interest payments.
Those of you who want a new card should keep their searches to those that have no annual fees and interest rates that are low. With so many cards out there that don’t require an annual fee, getting one with an annual fee is simply a waste of money.
If you have a credit card, add it into your monthly budget. Budget a specific amount that you are financially able to put on the card each month, and then pay that amount off at the end of the month. Try not to let your credit card balance ever get above that amount. This is a great way to always pay your credit cards off in full, allowing you to build a great credit score.
Do not hesitate to ask your creditors if they can give you a lower interest rate. When you have a good track record, it becomes easier to negotiate with a company. A phone call could be all you need to do to get a good rate in which you would be able to save money.
Don’t write down your password or pin number. Memorizing your PIN or password is essential, and it helps to ensure that only you can access your account. If you write it down and keep it near the card, it will be like giving someone an invitation to commit fraud.
It may seem unnecessary to many people, but be sure to save receipts for the purchases that you make on your credit card. Take the time each month to be sure that the receipts match up to your credit card statement. It will help you manage your charges, as well as, help you catch unjust charges.
An important tip for saving money on gas is to never carry a balance on a gas credit card or when charging gas on another credit card. Plan to pay it off each month, otherwise, you will not only pay today’s outrageous gas prices, but interest on the gas, as well.
It is good practice to check your credit card transactions with your online account to make sure they match up correctly. You do not want to be charged for something you didn’t buy. This is also a great way to check for identity theft or if your card is being used without your knowledge.
The advice about credit cards gleaned from this article will help everyone eliminate their fear about using these cards. Credit cards are useful when used correctly, so nobody should fear using one. Simply remember the advice you received and you will be fine.
