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Be Prepared When You Apply For A Credit Card
By: Sintilia Miecevole iSnare Expert Author
Getting and having a credit card can be a beneficial thing for most people. You
will have a big advantage when you have a credit card. A credit card can be
especially useful when you want to purchase items remotely. Think how much
easier it is to make purchases online, and reserve plane fare or hotel rooms
over the phone when you have a credit card. It can also come in handy when you
just don’t happen to have cash when you decide to make a purchase. However,
there is a flip side to having a credit card! A credit card can cause several
problems if you don’t watch your spending habits closely. When you get and use a
credit card, you should recognize that you have taken on a big responsibility
with some very serious consequences. Following the simple tips below can keep
you out of trouble when using your credit card and allow you to enjoy all
benefits:
1. A charge on your credit card is the same as taking out a mini loan! Keep
track and make sure you don’t overcharge on your credit card, as you have to be
able to pay back all whatever amount you have borrowed.
2. Watch the balance on your credit card and keep a record of the balance from
month to month. Keeping track of what you have already spent will help you make
the decision of whether you can use your credit card for any additional
purchases. Even the small $5 purchases you make here and there can add up on a
credit card if you don’t watch out…and then the interest will also add to your
balance owed.
3. Keep your credit card receipts until the end of the month and compare them to
your monthly credit card statement. This practice will allow you to catch any
incorrect charges, or sometimes you may catch a purchase you never made! If you
do find discrepancies between your receipts and your statement, call your credit
card company right away.
4. Neither a lender nor a borrower be! That is a good motto when it comes to
your credit card or credit card number. Don’t give these out to anyone! Even
though you may trust your family and closest friends, you cannot keep track of
purchases you are not making.
5. Make it your habit never to charge more than you can pay back. When you do
charge more and don’t pay it back, it can hurt your credit rating and will
affect your future chances of getting credit approval. This can include
important purchases you may make in the future, like car loans, home mortgages
and other kinds of loans.
6. Pay your bills on time! When you pay on time, you will save on accruing
interest and extremely high finance charges for late payments. If you miss a
payment, finance charges and interest just keep adding up, making your balance
get higher and higher.
7. Try to pay all of your credit card balance in full each and every month. Put
credit card payments into your monthly budget, and don’t purchase more than that
allotment each month.
8. Remember you are responsible for $50 of any unauthorized charges on your
credit cards.
9. Keep your credit card for new purchases only. Don’t pay off other household
bills with your credit card. This will inevitably lead to more charging and
higher balances.
About the Author:
Sintilia Miecevole has a host of experience regarding credit cards. She has a
site http://www.flycreditcard.com to provide you with the information you need
to use your credit card wisely. Be sure to visit http://www.flycreditcard.com for an expert resource of features with information for personal and business credit cards. |