It can be overwhelming to pick out a credit card that is good for you, especially if you’re new. Fortunately, you can always find something out there that best fits your lifestyle, so you might want to know what you can about credit cards before signing up for one.
Credit cards are an essential part of everyday life for many people. Whether you use them for shopping, travel, or just to keep your finances in check, learning about the different types and how to use them is important. Here are some basics to get you started:
- There are two main types of credit cards: revolving and installment. Revolving means you can borrow money from the issuer which you can check more here, repay it on the due date, and spend the remaining balance again. On the other hand, the installment loans need to be repaid in a periodic set of payments.
- The most important thing to remember when spending is to keep track of your balance and payments. If you cannot make your monthly payments on time, your credit score will suffer, and you may be more likely to be charged high rates on future loans.
- Many companies try to attract new customers by offering low-interest rates and bonuses on sign-up. It’s important to read the terms and conditions of any offer before signing an agreement so that you understand what you’re getting yourself into.
Pros and Cons
There are advantages and disadvantages when using various types of credit cards. You can use them to finance most of your purchases, but this can be a dangerous path that will lead you into a cycle of debt. Here are some considerations that you might want to know about first:
Advantages
These plastics are very convenient, and you can carry them wherever you go. Most restaurants, shopping malls, and gas stations accept them, so you don’t have to put up with the long lines at ATMs to get cash. You’ll also have a lot of options, especially when you want to purchase online or in brick-and-mortar shops.
Staggered Payments
You’ll be able to pay everything over time, and it’s always highly recommended to pay the balance in full so you can avoid higher interest rates and added fees. This can be beneficial, especially if you want to save the credit line for emergencies.
Get Rewards and Points
Some hotels, restaurants, and clothing shops offer rewards, bonuses, discounts, and other perks when you shop using your credit card. You can redeem these points and rewards for merchandise or save them for future use.
Have Low Introductory APR
The annual percentage rate is generally added on top of your balance. You can find a bedrift or company that offers low introductory rates or even 0% APR on the first year of signing up, so this is something that you might want to know more about. This is where you might want to take advantage of refinancing your debts and pay off the balance on the loan while not incurring any extra charges.
More Secure than Debit Cards
Security is one of the primary reasons why so many people use credit cards. You can report the fraud and not pay the charges incurred by the criminals, and you’ll get the limit reinstated. When it’s stolen, the bank or the company issuer will do an investigation, clear you of these charges, and you can go on your shopping as usual.
Disputes on Billing
Some customers are given the right to withhold their payments when there are errors and disputes on their bills. This is where they check their statement, see a fraudulent charge, and the bank will investigate the case. They might not be required to pay for their other balances during this time.
Disadvantages
Some people fall into the illusion that they have a lot of money, which is similar to spending the funds you don’t have. The trap that you should avoid falling into is to borrow until you can’t pay the full amount. Other cons are the following:
Future Income will Significantly Lessen
Your income will be significantly reduced whenever you use your credit line. This is the money you don’t have, and expect a portion of your income to go towards the repayment. It’s a necessary step for you to protect your current rating. When you have more debts, you will find it harder to pay off eventually, and you will be digging deeper in the future,
Fees and Interest Rates
Depending on your usage and membership, the fees alone can take up a hundred dollars annually. When you know how compounding interest works, you might scramble to pay off your debts and avoid late fees. These small amounts might seem small, but they can add pretty quickly if you’re not careful, and before long, you’ve already maxed out.
Identity Theft
Sometimes, you might be putting yourself at risk with fraud and identity theft. This is where hackers have obtained the numbers on your card, or they were able to access a company’s network and make fraudulent purchases. Fortunately, you might not be considered liable when you’re able to report these charges, but you should still exercise caution. See more ways to avoid identity theft on this site: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-prevent-identity-theft.
A Big Effect on your Life
Debt greatly affects anyone’s life, including your children, family, marriage, and more. When you can only afford the minimum, know that the amount can balloon into something more, which can grow rather quickly. This will have an impact on your score, and when there are frequent late payments, you might not be able to obtain the funding in the near future when you need one.
Emergencies and Responsible Use
It can be tough to get out of the vicious cycle, but if you frequently pay in full and keep the overall balance low, you will always qualify for other loans. Be responsible and use your limit only during emergencies. This can be helpful in the long run, especially if you’re wise with your finances.
Getting the Best Rewards Program
Credit cards are a great way to build your credit score and get approved for loans in the future. Before choosing a card, make sure it is the best option for you based on the rewards, spending habits, and needs. Here are some tips to help you choose the best one for your lifestyle.
1. Consider Your Goals
If your goal is to build your credit score, consider a card with a good history of paying off debts on time. If you only use the card for emergencies, consider a low-APR offer.
2. Decide What Type of Credit You Want
If you have good credit, consider a card with an excellent rewards program. If you have no repayment history, look for a financier that offers low-interest rates and no annual fees.
3. Compare The Costs
Compare the costs and make sure that you’re paying less in fees. Choose the ones that will fit your income, and make sure that you don’t incur penalties.
4. Consider Your Spending Habits
Consider how much you spend each month on average and your spending patterns over time. This will help determine which type of card best suits your needs.
