Many people say that selecting the right credit card is a difficult and laborious endeavor. However, it is much easier to pick the right credit card if you are equipped with the right advice and information. This article provides several tips to help you make the right credit card decision.
It's a smart practice to have 2 or 3 open credit cards in good standing. This is especially helpful when building a good credit score, but remember these cards should be paid in full monthly. However, if there are more than three cards to your name, a lender may think that's no good when looking at your personal credit bureau report.
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 high end cards can be very high depending on how exclusive they are. If it is not necessary for you to have an exclusive card, avoid fees by not getting one.
If you are about to start a search for a new credit card, be sure to check your credit record first. Make sure your credit report accurately reflects your debts and obligations. Contact the credit reporting agency to remove old or inaccurate information. A little time spent upfront will net you the best credit limit and lowest interest rates that you may be eligible for.
If you wish to get a credit card that has great rates and benefits, keep an eye on your credit score. Credit card companies always use credit scores to determine what kinds of cards they will offer consumers. Credit cards with low interest rates, the best points options, and cash back incentives are only offered to individuals with stellar credit scores.
Don't use your credit cards to purchase items that you can't afford. No matter how nice an item is, you shouldn't use a credit card to finance an item if you cannot afford it. You will pay loads of interest, and the monthly payments may be out of your reach. Leave the store, think over it for a day or so, and then make your decision. If you still want to purchase it, the store usually has in-house financing that will have lower interest rates.
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.
Make sure that you watch your statements closely. If you see charges that should not be on there, or that you feel you were charged incorrectly for, call customer service. If you cannot get anywhere with customer service, ask politely to speak to the retention team, in order for you to get the assistance you need.
If you can't get a credit card because of a spotty credit record, then take heart. There are still some options that may be quite workable for you. A secured credit card is much easier to get and may help you rebuild your credit record very effectively. With a secured card, you deposit a set amount into a savings account with a bank or lending institution - often about 0. That amount becomes your collateral for the account, which makes the bank willing to work with you. You use the card as a normal credit card, keeping expenses under that limit. As you pay your monthly bills responsibly, the bank may decide to raise your limit and eventually convert the account to a traditional credit card.
An important tip when it comes to smart credit card usage is, resisting the urge to use cards for cash advances. By refusing to access credit card funds at ATMs, you will be able to avoid the frequently exorbitant interest rates, and fees credit card companies often charge for such services.
Credit card experts suggest that your credit limit should not be more than three-quarters of your monthly earnings. Taking on a card, whose limit is greater than this amount, may leave you struggling to pay the bill. This is due to the fact that the interest paid will soon snowball to a point that it's out of your control.
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.
If you go to make a purchase with your credit card and you are told that there will a surcharge for using that payment method, you can refuse to pay it and demand they accept your purchase. Many credit card companies do not allow merchants to impose fees, so you should check out the policies of your card company.
To avoid interest charges, don't treat your credit card as you would an ATM card. Don't get in the habit of charging every single item that you buy. Doing so, will only pile on charges to your bill, you may get an unpleasant surprise, when you receive that monthly credit card bill.
Do your research on the best rewards cards. Whether you are interested in cash back, gifts, or airline miles, there is a rewards card that can really benefit you. There are many out there, but there is a lot of information available online to help you find the right one. Be careful to not carry a balance on these rewards cards, as the interest you are paying can negate the positive rewards effect!
As was discussed earlier in this article, many people complain that it is difficult for them to select a suitable credit card based on their needs and interests. If you know what information to look for and how to compare cards, picking the right one is a lot easier than it seems. Use this article's advice and you will choose a great credit card, based on your needs.
Orignal From: Proven Advice For Anyone Using A Credit Card
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