Simple Solution To Dealing With Credit Cards
Posted at by CreditWiz on category Credit CardsPeople today are bombarded with warnings about the dangers of credit cards, overspending and borrowing at high interest rates. However, if used well, there are lots of benefits to having a credit card. To find the advantages associated to credit cards, read this guide for more information.
Read the small print. If there are offers that allow you to be pre-approved for a card or if the person is saying you can be helped to get a card, you have to know the details before signing up. Know the percent of your interest rate, as well as the length of time you will have to pay for it. Also, make sure to research any associate grace periods and/or fees.
Getting a brand new credit card as soon as you are legally able to isn’t necessarily the best idea. Although you might be tempted to jump right on in like everyone else, you should do some research to find out more about the credit industry before you make the commitment to a line of credit. Spend some time living as an adult and learning what it will take to incorporate credit cards.
When you purchase items on the Internet using your credit card, ensure you retain a copy of all the transaction records relating to it. Keep the receipt until your bill comes in and verify all charges. If you were not charged the correct amount, contact the online retailer immediately to file a dispute. This is an excellent way to avoid being overcharged for a cost you are not responsible for.
Never write down your password or pin number, for any reason. It is important that you remember your password, so that you are the only one that has access to it. Anyone will be able to access your account if they get hold of your written pin number, especially if it is stored with your card.
Never give the number of your credit card out when you receive a telephone call asking you for it. Credit card thieves often contact people by telephone. If you must use your credit card over the telephone, only do so with companies you know you can trust. People who contact you cannot be trusted with your numbers. It doesn’t matter who they say they are. You never know who they may really be.
If you have a spotty credit record, think about getting a secured card. These cards require balances as collateral. You basically borrow money that you already have and pay for the privilege of doing so. Not ideal, but it may be the only way to repair your credit standing. Just make sure you are working with a reputable company. They may offer you an unsecured card later, which will help your score even more.
Restaurant and grocery bills shouldn’t always be paid with a credit card. These will take a while to appear on the statement you get and that makes you balance hard to know. It is possible that this will cause you to spend more because you think that the balance is less than what it actually is.
Never send your card number by phone, fax or email to anyone unless you are certain it’s secure. Be especially suspicious of unsolicited offers that ask for your information. There are a variety of scams designed to gather credit card information from unsuspecting consumers. Be very careful, and protect yourself.
Never transfer your credit card numbers via a fax. Faxes can remain in the office of a recipient for hours or days, which gives their entire office access to your personal credit card number. If any of those people is a thief, you are in trouble. Sending your information through a fax makes you at risk for identity theft.
When used responsibly, credit cards have some great perks. From having the assurance of having financial flexibility to the benefit of receiving various rewards and perks, credit cards that you have could make your life better. Just use your credit wisely so that it benefits you, instead of increasing your financial challenges.
