Friday, 25 May 2012

Credit Card Tips That Will Help You

By Kurt Fuller


Don't let the fear of credit cards stop you from improving your score, buying the things you need or want. There are proper ways to use credit cards, and when done correctly, they can make your life better instead of worse. This article is going to show you just how to do it.

Be aware that there are credit card scams out there as well. Many of those predatory companies prey on people that have less than stellar credit. Some fraudulent companies for example will offer credit cards for a fee. When you send in the money, they send you applications to fill out instead of a new credit card.

There are many different kinds of credit cards that each come with their own pros and cons. Before you settle on a bank or specific credit card to use, be sure to understand all of the fine print and hidden fees related to the different credit cards you have available to you.

Transfer a high interest rate balance to a card that has an interest rate that is lower. If you have more than one credit card that have balances, move the balances over to the card with the interest rate that is the lowest. This can save you money and cut down on the money you owe.

Establish some kind of method to keep track of just how much money you are spending on your credit card. Write down each charge in a notebook or enter the charges into an app on your smart phone. No matter which type of method you choose, keeping a record of your transactions helps you not to overcharge with impulse and incidental purchases, which have a tendency to add up quickly.

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.

You should consider getting a credit card with monthly fees, instead of interest rate charges. If you make purchases that will cause your interest rates to exceed standard monthly charges, you should definitely get a card that does not charge interest. Each card is different, so be sure to compare them before you decide.

Before you choose a credit card company, be sure that you compare interest rates. There is no standard when it comes to interest rates, even when it is based on your credit. Every company uses a different formula to figure what interest rate to charge. Be sure that you compare rates, to ensure that you get the best deal possible.

When applying for a credit card, be sure to check out the options that they have for changing the terms on you. This will help you to prepare for any changes that the company may make to your agreement in the future. This may apply to anything from your interest rate, to applying an annual fee, to upping your minimal payment.

You have read a lot here today about how to avoid common mistakes with credit cards, and also the best ways to use them wisely. Although there is a lot of information to learn and remember, this is a good starting point for making the best financial decisions that you can.




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