Learn To Use Credit Cards Wisely With This Great Advice

Credit cards frustrate many people. The only way you can make proper credit decisions is by following good advice. This article is filled with information that will help you get the most from your credit cards and, at the same time, avoid any of the problems commonly associated with credit card ownership.

Be safe when giving out your credit card information. If you like to order things online with it, then you have to be sure the website is secure. If you notice charges that you didn't make, call the customer service number for the credit card company. They can help deactivate your card and make it unusable, until they mail you a new one with a new account number.

Ensure you don't overspend by carefully tracking your spending habits. Sometimes plastic makes it easy to lose track of your spending decisions, which can result in you owing more than you can afford to pay.

If you want a card but don't have credit, you might need a co-signer. You can have a friend, parent, sibling or anyone else that is willing to help you and has an established line of credit. It's important to know that being a co-signer means that person is liable for the credit card bill in full if you don't pay it. Many have found this to be a great help in beginning the process of building credit.

Never keep a written copy of your password or pin number anywhere. It's crucial to remember all of your passwords so you're the only one who can access your accounts. If you write it down, other people will be able to access your credit.

It should be obvious, but many people fail to follow the simple tip of paying your credit card bill on time each month. Late payments can reflect poorly on your credit report, you may also be charged hefty penalty fees, if you don't pay your bill on time.

It is best to stay away from charging holiday gifts and other holiday-related expenditures. If you can't afford it, either save to buy what you want or just buy less-expensive gifts. Your best friends and relatives will understand that you are on a budget. You can always ask ahead of time for a limit on gift amounts or draw names. The bonus is that you won't be spending the next year paying for this year's Christmas!

Watch your own credit score. Most companies consider a credit, or FICO, score of 700 to be the cutoff for good credit. Improve your spending habits by spending to improve your credit score. When your score is 700 or more, you will receive the best offers at the lowest rates.

Watch rewards programs. These programs are quite popular with credit cards. You can earn things like cash back, airline miles, or other incentives just for using your credit card. A reward is a nice addition if you're already planning on using the card, but it may tempt you into charging more than you usually would just to get those bigger rewards.

You should try and limit the number of credit cards that are in your name. Too many credit cards is not good for your credit score. Having several different cards can also make it more difficult to keep track of your finances from month to month. Try and keep your credit card count between two and four.

If you go to make a purchase with your credit card and you are told that there will a surcharge for using that payment method, you can refuse to pay it and demand they accept your purchase. Many credit card companies do not allow merchants to impose fees, so you should check out the policies of your card company.

Once you decide to open a credit card account, keep it open. Frequent switches to new companies is not wise unless you find it absolutely necessary. Account length is a big part of your credit score. Part of having good credit is keeping the accounts open.

Never transfer your credit card numbers via a fax. Faxes are sometimes left unsupervised for long periods of time, and many people may have access to your number. Any of these people could be, or know of, a thief. This will create a ton of problems.

Keep the total number of credit cards you use to an absolute minimum. Carrying balances on multiple credit cards can complicate your life needlessly. Shift your debt onto the card with the lowest interest. You will be able to keep better track of your debts and pay them off faster if you stick with a single credit card.

As mentioned earlier, many people can become frustrated with their creditors. The benefit of doing the right research and study of the different card offerings can make the difference in the ease of your decision. Use the suggestions in this article and you will enjoy living with credit cards a lot more.