Would you like to know a little more about how to use credit, but are scared to ask? This article is prepared to teach anyone a little more about proper credit usage and inform all consumers about common credit issues that they may face. Continue reading to learn more good credit card information.
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.
Decide what rewards you would like to receive for using your credit card. There are many options for rewards that are offered by credit card companies to entice you to applying for their card. Some offer miles that can be used to purchase airline tickets. Others give you an annual check. Choose a card that offers a reward that is right for you.
To help you get the maximum value from your credit card, choose a card which provides rewards based on the amount of money you spend. Many credit card rewards programs will give you up to two percent of your spending back as rewards which can make your purchases much more economical.
Take advantage of the fact that you can get a free credit report yearly from three separate agencies. Make sure to get all three of them, so that you can be sure there is nothing going on with your credit cards that you may have missed. There may be something reflected on one that was not on the others.
Never give out your credit card number to anyone, unless you are the person that has initiated the transaction. If someone calls you on the phone asking for your card number in order to pay for anything, you should ask them to give you a way to contact them, so that you can arrange the payment at a better time.
Always read and understand all of the terms of your credit card offer before accepting it. Doing so means you will not be surprised by high fees, or a difficult payment schedule. Pay very close attention to the terms to make sure you completely understand the card policy.
Whenever you are considering a new credit card, you should always avoid applying for credit cards that have high interest rates. While interest rates compounded annually may not seem all that much, it is important to note that this interest can add up, and add up fast. Make sure you get a card with reasonable interest rates.
Check with card companies about whether they’re willing to reduce their rates. Some companies will decrease the interest amount that they charge to their customers if these people maintain a good relationship with them for a long period of time. It never hurts to ask, and you could possibly save a bundle!
Look over your card statements thoroughly. Look for inaccuracies associated to the charges you make, as well as any charges you didn’t make. If you see a questionable charge, immediately report it to the credit card company. This will help you reduce the amount you pay and will raise your credit score.
Before you pick a credit card be sure that it accepted at most businesses in your area. There are only a few credit card companies that are accepted nationwide, so be sure you know which ones these are if you plan to purchase things around the country. Also, if you plan to travel abroad, be sure you have a card that is accepted where you might travel as well.
Never give anyone credit card numbers on the Internet or on the phone unless you know and trust the company. Be extra careful if you receive an unsolicited offer for which credit card information is requested. Many scammers all over the world would love to get your credit card information. Be smart and protect yourself against them.
Shred old credit card receipts and statements. You can easily purchase an inexpensive home office shredder to handle this task. Those receipts and statements, often contain your credit card number, and if a dumpster diver happened to get hold of that number, they could use your card without your knowledge.
If you are getting rid of an old credit card, cut up the credit card through the account number. This is especially important, if you are cutting up an expired card and your replacement card has the same account number. As an added security step, consider throwing away the pieces in different trash bags, so that thieves can’t piece the card back together as easily.
Now that you have finished this article, you have absorbed several great tips about how to use credit properly. Using this information can help you be more confident with your cards, so that you can buy something, or pay off bills or debt.
