While credit cards can be great tools for your finances, including helping you manage your cash flow, you do have to be careful, since it’s easy to fall into the debt trap.
Credit cards are convenient and will make your financial life easier and simpler. If credit card is handled with attention, it will not cause damage.
A first credit card can be tempting. The important thing is to know from the start the potential pitfalls of credit card use.
Follow these tips on how to use your new card responsibly:
1. Activation
Credit cards won't come to you in an active mode. The user needs to call the bank or the toll-free number provided by them for activation. Usually, the user will need to enter their card number and answer KYC questions. Make the call for activation from a registered phone number.
2. Interest rates
Know the rate of interests, before start using your credit card. The interest rate will be determined by annual percentage rate. This is the rate at which you will typically pay your outstanding dues. You have to carefully read the terms and conditions in the list dispatched with your credit card.
3. Due date
Some credit card companies will allow you to choose when your credit card bill will be due. If that option is available for you, opt for a date a few days after your payday. This will help you to pay off your monthly balance on time.
4. Know the limit
The credit card issuer sets your credit limit based on factors including your income, repayment history, spending patterns and CIBIL score. Your credit score implies the maximum amount you can spend on your credit card. Usage beyond this limit will invite penalty. Keep the credit limit low. This will help to reduce the spending habit for most first-time credit card users.
5. Check alerts
Always pays attention to what the credit issuer sends you. Update with all alerts, emails, and messages you get. Don't ignore the new credit agreements. Issuers have been providing notice to add annual fees and increase other fees. Know what's happening with your card. 7 Credit Cards With Best Rewards And Cash backs In India
6. Rewards
Credit cards offer customers benefits in the form of rewards or cash back. Some provide rewards and cashback with the first swipe for purchase. While others ask for registration to become eligible for earning rewards. Know the details of your reward program and use your card accordingly to get the most out of it. It is a difficult task to choose a card which gets us maximum benefit.
7. Fees and charges
There are many charges and fees associated with credit cards such as annual fees, balance transfer fee, foreign transaction fee, late payment fee, over the limit fee etc. Have a look at all these charges before start using your card for the first time. First-time users should probably find a card that has low or no annual fees and low-interest rates.
8. Autopay
If you are weak in remembering things on time use the auto pay option for managing credit card payments.You can set up the date and minimum amount due towards outstanding. This can be done either by the credit card issuer or your personal bank. Paying the dues on time will boost the credit card holders CIBIL scores. Before go for autopay ensure that you choose the right date to avoid late charges.
9. Don't share your card details
Never let others use your credit card. Don't share account number and other information to people who ask for it online via email or chat. When using your credit card online, verify that you are on a secure site before entering your credit card information. You are responsible for all charges on your card. Do not let others borrow it or give out the number.
10. Pay off bills on time
Make a personal rule to pay your credit card bill when it is due. Ensure this by keeping track of your spending and how much money you have in the bank. As soon as a bill goes unpaid, interest starts to accrue, and late fees may also be incurred.
After understanding all these points, you would feel more confident about using your credit card in a safe, secure and rewarding manner.
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