Having a credit card makes it easier for people to build good credit histories and take care of their finances. It is necessary to gain an understanding of credit cards, however, in order to use them wisely. The following article discusses some of the best basic credit card information for consumers.
Don’t use a credit card for withdrawing cash from the ATM or for buying casino chips. Card providers will typically charge customers high fees for gambling transactions and cash advances. So, it’s key that you use a credit card in these circumstances only if there’s an emergency.
If you have really good credit, consider calling to ask if your card company will lower your APR. In some cases that can happen. This allows you to save lots of money each month that you carry a balance.
Be certain you monitor card transactions carefully. If available, sign yourself up for any mobile alert program available. The alerts will notify you immediately if there are any unusual transactions made. If you are aware of suspicious account activity, call the authorities immediately.
Card Company
If you lose your card, ensure you contact the card company immediately for a replacement. Doing so cancels your card so that others can’t use it. Your credit card company will immediately issue you a new credit card and number.
Being aware of your financial status is important before you put in a credit card application. Get copies of your credit reports and histories so that you have accurate data to project what your possibilities are. Dispute information that is incorrect or inaccurate. You should also look at true bad marks and try to correct them.
We have all been there. Another annoying credit card solicitation comes in the mail, asking you to get one of the company’s cards. Depending on the time frame, you may or may not be in the market. When you throw out the mail, rip it into small pieces. Many of these offers contain your personal data, making trash a common source of information for identity thieves.
If your credit is poor, you might want to consider a secured card. A several hundred dollar up front fee is required. You then have the opportunity to demonstrate that you can use the card wisely and improve your credit score over time.
Never keep a written record of your pin number or password. You have to take the time to memorize these passwords and pin numbers to ensure that only you know what they are. If you write it down on a bill or keep it in your financial files, a thief could easily steal this information.
Make sure you investigate all fees and charges instead of simply looking at annual fees and interest rates. There are also charges like service charges, cash advance fees and application fees. These can make a card seem worthless if they cost too much.
Make sure to carefully read the fine print before signing up for a secured credit cards. Most times, you’re told to deposit a small amount but you’re not aware that your money could be used up by fees that end up making you have a lower credit limit.
Credit Score
Check your credit score and report regularly to keep yourself accountable for using credit responsibly. This process will also alert you when somebody else is hurting your credit score. Be sure to take note of any errors that show up on your report. If you find an error, contact your creditor as well as the credit bureau.
Be sure to check your credit card’s terms to see if it charges an annual fee to use the card. You want to make sure that you don’t pay a premium for the credit card. Annual fees for black or platinum cards can range from $100 to $1000 depending on the card’s exclusivity. The best bet is that if you do not need a premium credit card, avoid them and do not pay the fees.
Following the tips above, an individual can benefit while trying to build credit and manage their finances. You need to understand each card’s terms and benefits in order to make informed choices for yourself. Knowing how credit cards work benefits consumers and helps them to make good choices
Article By Your Debt Relief Company