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Got Credit Cards? Use These Helpful Tips

TIP! Before closing a credit account, be sure that you understand how that will affect your credit score. There are times when closing out cards can lead to bad marks on your credit report and that is something you would like to avoid.

Charge cards continue to help people all over the goals they have in place for themselves. Having a credit card will open a person's financial freedom. With this in mind, never forget that you must choose your charge cards wisely and use them intelligently.The article below covers some of the basic credit information to help you achieve that goal.

Do not close credit card accounts until you understand the impact it will have on you.

TIP! Only if you regularly shop at a certain store should you think about applying for a store credit card. When a retail store inquires about your credit prior to opening an account, that inquiry is recorded on your report whether you go through with opening a card or not.

This allows the credit card companies the best opportunity to find the person responsible. This will also prevent you from becoming responsible for their charges. Fraudulent charges could be reported through a phone call or sending an email to your card company.

TIP! Double check for annual fees when signing up for premium credit cards. Annual fees for high end cards can be very high depending on how exclusive they are.

Always review the fine print. If there's an offer for a pre-approved credit card or if a person says they can help you get a card, you have to know the details before signing up. It's very important to know what your interest rates and will be in the future. You should also be sure to learn of grace periods and any fees that may be applied.

TIP! You should try to pay your credit card balance off monthly. The use of a credit card offers a lot of convenience, but best used only if the balance is paid off each cycle.

Always make sure there is not a yearly fee before accepting an exclusive credit card that offers rewards or perks. Annual fees for high end cards can range from $100 to $1000 depending on the card's exclusivity. If you can't benefit from a premium card, don't pay the annual fee.

Interest Rate

Make sure you know your interest rate will be with a given credit card. You simply must understand the interest rate before you agree to accept it.

TIP! Keep tabs on your credit score. A good credit score is considered by credit card companies to be over 700.

You surely wish to steer clear of late fees and over limit ones. Both of these are pretty large fees and going over your limit can also hurt your credit report. Watch this carefully and don't go more than your credit.

Avoid using public computers to buy items with your credit card purchases.Only make a purchase from your own computer.

Do not hesitate to request a lower interest rate.A simple phone call might be all that is necessary to lower your rate and save you money.

TIP! Every year you should make sure to ask for a free credit report from each of the credit bureaus. Compare the credit card debt shown on your report to your statements to make sure the information matches.

Keep tabs on the status of your credit report and score. Most creditors think of 700 or above. Use your credit properly to maintain this level, or if you are not there, use this method to reach this level. With a score of over 700, you will receive the lowest interest rates and best credit offers.

TIP! If you're using a lot of credit cards, it might be a great idea to use one and pay for it each month. Even if you have quite a bit of debt on the others, having an active card that's paid in full each month can help better your credit.

You want to avoid switching to other accounts unless it is absolutely necessary. The amount of time you have had credit available to you is a factor in your history with a creditor is one factor in your credit score. Part of having good credit is keeping accounts open if possible.

TIP! Always try to avoid credit cards that have annual fees associated with them. Usually, those with higher credit scores do not have to get cards with annual fees.

Always thoroughly scrutinize your credit card statements. Report any inaccuracies to your credit company immediately. This helps protect you from unfairly high payments as well as protecting your credit score.

You are always free to ask your credit card company for a lower rate.

You need to know exactly what you will be charged after the terms following the introductory period. Know exactly what you're getting into before you sign up.

Always read the fine print prior to applying for any secured card.

TIP! If you see that you might make an unusual purchase or series of purchases let your credit company know. If you want to make a large purchase, or have an international trip planned, let your card company know what to expect.

Read all of the fine print completely. There could be numerous blackout dates and other restrictions that make the reward almost useless to you. Companies cause these restrictions difficult to decipher for obvious reasons. The secret is that they do not want you to use their rewards. They are merely a tool to make you to apply for one of their cards.

TIP! One good way to minimize the chances that you are the victim of identity theft is to use only one credit card for online purchases. Using more than on credit card to purchase items online increases your risk, so limiting the financial information that's on your computer is safest.

Making large purchases and traveling overseas are two situations where giving advance notice is smart. This makes it less likely your credit card company from raising the identity theft alarm and suspend your card.

Credit Card

TIP! Do not close all your credit accounts, leave one open to help build positive credit. Keep the one you have had the longest, or the one that has the best record of timely payments.

Use your charge cards on a regular basis if you don't lose them. If your account is inactive and unprofitable for your credit card company, your credit card provider has the right to eliminate your account with minimal warning.

Credit cards are a luxury, not rights. A responsible user pays bills on time and tracks charges.

Due Dates

TIP! Credit cards that contain your picture offer an added sense of security. While there might be a fee associated to this type of credit card, it will lessen the chance of someone using your card.

A lot of companies are now post suggested due dates can be up to fifteen days sooner than true due dates. If you have a due date suggested to you, know when the actual due date is.

TIP! Come up with a budget for your spending. It can be really tempting to spend lots of money on your new credit card.

Be aware of the amount you charge to your bank cards. The knowledge that you could spend huge sums of money can purchase many items just by swiping the card can build up your urge to do just that.This can make you have devastating financial consequences. Limit impulse buys and give yourself 48 hour cooldown periods.

TIP! Consider asking your credit card company to raise your credit card's credit limit. A lot of credit card companies will give a customer a higher credit limit because they have shown that they're able to use the card in the right way.

There are many great advantages to using credit cards wisely. When used properly, they are great assets; but bear in mind that improper use can also ruin a consumer's financial life. This article is loaded with advice to help consumers make wise decisions when using their charge cards.

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