Many people become completely terrified when they hear the word credit. If you are one of these people, that means you need to expose yourself to a better financial education. Credit is not something to fear, rather, it is something that you should use in a responsible manner.

Do not close credit card accounts until you know the full effect it could have on your credit score. Depending on the situation, closing a credit card account might leave a negative mark on your credit history, something you should avoid at all costs. In addition, keep the oldest credit card accounts open because a major factor in your overall credit score is the length of time since credit was established.

Finance

If you’re able to, always pay your credit card debt off in full every month. Try to use your credit as a convenience instead of a way to make ends meet. By using credit and paying it off in full, you will improve your credit score and save money.

Only take cash advances from your credit card when you absolutely have to. The finance charges for cash advances are very high, and very difficult to pay off. Only use them for situations in which you have no other option. But you must truly feel that you will be able to make considerable payments on your credit card, soon after.

Make sure each month you pay off your credit cards when they are due, and most importantly, in full when possible. If you do not pay them in full each month, you will end up having to have pay finance charges on the unpaid balance, which will end up taking you a long time to pay off the credit cards.

Credit Cards

When it is time to make monthly payments on your credit cards, be sure that you pay more than the minimum amount that you are required to pay. If you only pay the small amount required, it will take you longer to pay your debts off and the interest will be steadily increasing.

If you can’t pay your credit card balance in full each month, be sure to make at least double the minimum payment until it is paid off. Paying only the minimum will keep you trapped in escalating interest payments for years. Doubling down on the minimum will help to ensure you get out from the debt as soon as possible. Most importantly, stop using your credit cards for anything but emergencies until the existing debt is paid off.

Transferring a credit card balance from a high interest credit card to a card where the rate is less, can save you money every month. Credit card companies offer special introductory rates to attract new business to their credit cards. If you take advantage of one of these offers, make sure that you understand the amount of time that the introductory rate offer lasts.

Business

Emergency, business or travel purposes, is all that a credit card should really be used for. You want to keep credit open for the times when you need it most, not when purchasing luxury items. You never know when an emergency will crop up, so it is best that you are prepared.

Before you decide on a new credit card, be careful to read the fine print. Credit card companies have been in business for many years now, and know of ways to make more money at your expense. Be sure to read the contract in full, before signing to be sure that you are not agreeing to something that will harm you in the future.

If you are not satisfied with the high interest rate on your credit card, but aren’t interested in transferring the balance somewhere else, try negotiating with the issuing bank. You can sometimes get a lower interest rate if you tell the issuing bank that you are considering transferring your balances to a different credit card that offers low-interest transfers. They may lower your rate in order to keep your business!

After reading this article, you should feel more comfortable when it comes to credit questions. By using each of the tips you have read here, you will be able to come to a better understanding of exactly how credit works, as well as, all the advantages and disadvantages it can bring to your life.