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| Being Smart About Credit Card Use |
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| Written by Dan Jervas |
| Thursday, 24 July 2008 22:46 |
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Congratulations! You've just received a brand new credit card with a huge limit. Don't get too excited yet. Before you go out on that dream shopping spree, There are a few important things you need to know now. The last thing you want for the future is a bad credit situation. Maybe this new card is for "emergency use only." If that's the case, it is important to define what an "emergency" is. An emergency might be an exploding pipe flooding the basement. Other people might consider the Annual Shoe Blowout at the Super Shoe Warehouse to be an emergency. Regardless, decide the specific purpose of your card and stick to it. Perhaps you've obtained this new card in an effort to improve your credit rating. This is an excellent idea if you're young and hoping to make a major purchase in the future such as a home. If credit improvement is your goal, be sure to use your card in a manner that helps your credit instead of hurting it. You can maintain a healthy credit score by paying the full balance each month. Be sure to do it on time. Doing so will show that you're a responsible borrower. You will also avoid having to pay high interest fees. Set a budget and stick with it. This will prevent you from accumulating debt rather which will hurt your credit rating. Charge only what you can comfortably pay off, without having to tap into your savings. Some individuals feel compelled to check their credit report and score on a monthly, weekly, or even daily basis. While it is a good idea to keep track of your report and score in case of any fraudulent activity, make sure you do it responsibly. Using one of the three major credit bureaus is the best option. Checking through a credit lender repeatedly can actually HURT your score. Avoid doing that unless you're actually applying for credit. A common credit pitfall is regularly counting on credit cards instead of savings to make ends meet. Doing so will lead to deep, long-term debt, and should be avoided at all costs. The purpose of having a savings account is to have a nest egg for the future or an umbrella for a rainy financial season. Credit cards come in handy for shopping no matter where you are. The internet has generated a global shopping market. It's easier than ever to find whatever you want and have it sent directly to your home. When using your card for online shopping, make sure that the site you're using is safe and secure. Being careful will help you avoid fraud, scams, and identity theft. These situations can irreparably damage your credit. Now that you're familiar with the basics of smart credit card use, maintaining a healthy credit score and staying debt-free will be a cinch. You're ready to go out there and begin charging! About the Author: Find more info and a great selection of cashback cards right here. Visit Top-Ten-Credit-Cards.com for Discover Cards . Kindly provided by LJ-Marketing.dk You are welcome to use this article on your own website, if you include the link just before this text. |
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