Given how many businesses and establishments allow you to use electronic forms of payment, it is very easy and convenient to use your credit cards to pay for things. From cash registers indoors to paying for gas at the pump, you can use your credit cards, a dozen times a day. To make sure that you are using such a common factor in your life wisely, read on for some informative ideas.
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.
Be wary of late payment charges. Many of the credit companies out there now charge high fees for making late payments. Most of them will also increase your interest rate to the highest legal interest rate. Before you choose a credit card company, be sure that you are fully aware of their policy regarding late payments.
When it is time to make monthly payments on your credit cards, be sure that you pay more than the minimum amount that you are required to pay. If you only pay the small amount required, it will take you longer to pay your debts off and the interest will be steadily increasing.
Should you notice a charge that is fraudulent on any credit card, immediately report it to the credit card company. This way, they will be more likely to discover the culprit. In addition, this is the best method of ensuring you aren’t responsible for the charges. You can report the majority of fraudulent charges with a simple email or phone call to the credit card company.
Make sure that you make your payments on time when you have a credit card. The extra fees are where the credit card companies get you. It is very important to make sure you pay on time to avoid those costly fees. This will also reflect positively on your credit report.
Make sure you are consistently using your card. You do not have to use it frequently, but you should at least be using it once a month. While the goal is to keep the balance low, it only helps your credit report if you keep the balance low, while using it consistently at the same time.
Everyone gets credit card offers in the mail. You received one of those annoying credit card offers in the mail. While a credit card offer is sometimes welcome, more often you do not have need of it. Whenever you discard this type of mail, you need to destroy it. This is because many solicitations include your personal information.
Know your credit history before applying for new cards. The new card’s credit limit and interest rate will depend on how bad or good your credit history is. Avoid any surprises by getting a report on your credit from each of the three credit agencies once a year. You can get it free once per year from AnnualCreditReport.com, a government-sponsored agency.
Do not sign up for store cards in order to save money on a purchase. Often times, the amount you will pay for annual fees, interest or other charges, will easily be more than any savings you will get at the register that day. Avoid the trap, by just saying no in the first place.
One tip for every credit card user is to avoid making payments on your card as soon as you come home from charging something to it. Rather, wait for your statement to come and then pay the entire balance. This will reflect better on your payment history and give you a better credit score.
It is important to always review the charges, and credits that have posted to your credit card account. Whether you choose to verify your account activity online, by reading paper statements, or making certain that all charges and payments are reflected accurately, you can avoid costly errors or unnecessary battles with the card issuer.
Understand the recent developments in credit card law. For example, it’s now illegal for a credit card company to retroactively increase rates. Double-cycle billing is something that is also not allowed. Research the relevant laws. The CARD and Fair Credit Billing Acts are the two main legislative changes that have been instituted recently.
The frequency with which you have the chance to swipe your credit card is pretty high on a daily basis, and only seems to grow with every passing year. Making sure that you are using your credit cards wisely, is an essential habit to a successful modern life. Apply what you have learned here, in order to have sound habits when it comes to using your credit cards.
