Charge cards have the advantage of allowing people to buy items without having the full amount of the price. Be sure you understand the basics before you start using your brand new credit card. The tips in this article will give you some excellent information on good credit practices.
Don’t close an account without understanding the consequences. Many times closing an account can lower your credit score and will show up negatively on your credit report. Also, keep open all the accounts that make up most of your history.
When looking over your statement, report any fraudulent charges as soon as possible. The sooner you report it the sooner you give credit card companies and the authorities to catch the thief. This is also the best way to make sure that you are not held responsible for these charges. Fraudulent charges can usually be reported by making a phone call or sending an email to the credit card company.
Be careful when using charge cards. Give yourself spending limits and only buy things that you know you can afford. Prior to purchasing an item with your credit card, be sure that you will be able to pay the charge when your statement arrives. If you carry a balance, your debt will grow and the total balance will be harder to pay off.
Do not use your credit card to purchase things you simply cannot afford. Just because you desire to have a new TV, it does not mean that buying using your credit card is a good option. If you can’t pay off the balance right of way, you will risk not being able to make your monthly payments and owing quite a bit of interest. Leave the store and return the next day if you still want to buy the product. If it is still something you wish to purchase, check with the store, as their in-house financing may offer lower interest than your credit card.
Public computers should never be used to buy items with your credit card. Your information will be stored on these public computers, such as those in coffee shops, and the public library. Typing sensitive account information on a public computer invites trouble. Don’t make purchases from any computer that’s not your own.
IF you plan on shopping around for a secured card, don’t use a prepaid one. These are not actually reported to the big credit bureaus and are really just debit cards in disguise. Many prepaid cards charge extra fees and they are really just a checking account. Place a deposit, and try to get a secured card that will help you improve your credit.
Cut a deal on the interest rate you pay. Many times you can call the company and request a lower rate. If you have made all your payments on time and have proven to be a good customer, chances are they will give you a lower APR if you ask.
After your account is closed, cut up your credit card. If you put your old card in a drawer or let you child play with it, someone else could get it and make charges in your name.
Only carry the credit cards that you need to carry on a daily basis. No matter how many cards you have in total, consider the ones that you most regularly use. Most often, these will only be cards you use for gas and other daily charges. Bring just those with you, but keep the rest at home.
Try to avoid credit card providers who charge an annual fee. Generally, cards with no annual fees are given to people who have better credit scores. Annual fees can make any rewards you earn not worth it. Perform the necessary calculations. Credit cards don’t tout annual fees, as they’re regularly found in small fine print. Dig out the reading glasses and take a good look at the terms. You’re going to want to check closely to look at if the fees are worth the benefits. Most of the time, they do not.
If your credit card offers a frequent flier’s rewards program, take the time to completely understand the details. Make sure you read the fine print. Sometimes, there are large periods of blackout dates. Companies have a reason for making these restrictions difficult to understand. Companies are actually trying to prevent you from using rewards. They initiate the programs simply to lure you in.
Credit card use is a lifesaver sometimes, but only when used wisely. This article had basic credit tips to help you use your credit in a mature way.