Credit Card Tips
Pay your credit card bills on time. This is the single most important thing you can do to preserve and enhance your credit rating. Always pay at least your minimum payment and allow time for your payment to reach the company if you are using the mail.
If possible, pay off your balance in full each month . If this is not possible, then make as large a payment as you can comfortably afford. Paying off or paying down your balance is a sound financial move—one that will save you money on interest charges.
If you can’t pay off your balance in full, then slow down your credit card use. Take time to step back and have a careful look at how much you earn and how much you spend each month. A little budgeting can save you big money down the road.
Check your statement carefully each month. Review your statement carefully. Do all the charges look correct? Have any required credits been applied? Are there any unusual or unexpected charges? Your credit card company will correct legitimate errors, but only if you bring them to their attention in a timely manner before you pay your bill.
Transfer your balance to a card with a lower interest rate. If you have two or more credit cards with outstanding balances, consider moving the outstanding balances to the card with the lowest interest rate. You will save money each month and simplify your record keeping by receiving only one bill.
Don’t carry your credit card with you. Don’t carry your credit card around with you. Unless you are specifically leaving the house to use it keep it at home.