Credit Cards Dos and Don'ts

By Bob Jones

Just ask yourself: is the credit card work for me or am I working for the credit card? Most people's response to that question will depend on how they treat their "plastic pal" as credit cards are sometimes known. As many people with huge credit card debts will tell you, they didn't realize that things were so bad until too late, because most credit card companies try so hard to make themselves seem like a charity. Well, take it from me, they aren't.

But this is not an anti credit card campaign. They have their benefits - in America, for example, if you want to rent a car, you have got to have a (major) credit card. But, think about this scenario:

You get an offer in the post that sounds great, perhaps it's a new TV or refrigerator. But it costs $2,000. You have a credit card with a $5,000 limit, so you go out and purchase the product right away. Often, this is how your repayment schedule will work out. Most credit cards charge a minimum percentage of the remaining balance (typically 2 percent) per month. Assuming the interest rate is 18 percent and you choose to repay the minimum amount of $40, $30 of that will go towards interest and only $10 will come off the $2,000 you borrowed!

Sounds scary? It doesn't have to be. The moral of the illustration is to use the credit card very, very carefully.

Credit Cards Dos and Don'ts

There is a lot of truth in the saying that credit cards are not a substitute for not having money. Every time you use a credit card this should be the theme replaying in your mind. And you would do good to remember the following too:

Dos.

1] Always plan for the purchases that you need and those that you just want. You need the essentials, and you want everything else. The ability to make a distinction might help you plan wisely.

2] If you are caught up in financial difficulties, it's always a good idea to talk to the credit card supplier who might adjust your repayments. If you simply default, that only builds up an unfavourable credit history for you and you could find yourself being denied credit in the future.

3] Unless you are experiencing an emergency, remaining within your credit limits will assist you a great deal. If you have to spend over the credit card limit, keep within manageable levels, say within 30 percent.

4] If your mailbox is full of information on credit cards with more favourable deals than you currently are enjoying, you may approach your issuer for a better deal. They want to keep you as their customer, so they will listen.

Don'ts

1] Do not use your credit card to purchase household items. It is very expensive in the long run.

2] Do not only pay the minimum amount necessary. You will end up paying exorbitant amounts of interest. The quicker you are able to clear the debt the better.

3] Never use the credit card to purchase products you can't afford. - 21393

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If you are thinking onchanging or getting a Credit Card, have a look at the free advice on our web site on using Credit Cards wisely.