Credit cards are often the first step to a strong financial future and establishing your credit score. However, credit cards can also lead to large amounts of debt that you could be paying for the rest of your life. This is why it’s important to learn how to responsibly use a credit card before you end up with a mountain of overwhelming debt. Here are some of our tips and tricks to help you learn how to use credit cards responsibly.
1. Pay Off Your Balance
To help avoid paying interest on credit card purchases - pay off your balance every month. It is important to resist the temptation to overspend beyond what you can pay off each month. You can enjoy the benefits of using a credit card without the interest charges.
2. Set a Budget
Just because you have a credit card with the ability to make big purchases doesn’t mean you should buy things you can’t afford. Having a realistic idea of what you should spend will help you not get in over your head. Keeping a budget will help you keep your credit card spending in check and will also help you reach your other financial goals.
3. Only Use for Needs not Wants
Using your credit card only for things you need instead of things you want will help you keep unnecessary credit card purchases in check. Credit cards should be used for emergency purchases - like that utility bill that is due a couple of days before your next paycheck. Use your credit card as a temporary loan to yourself and then pay it off as soon as you have the ability to.
4. Stay Under 30% of Your Total Credit Limit
One way to keep your credit score healthy is to keep your credit card usage under 30% of your total limit. For example, if your limit is $5,000, avoid putting on more than $1,500 on your credit card at one time.
5. Check Your Statement Regularly
You will get a statement from your credit card company every month with transaction details from the previous billing cycle. It is important to review your monthly statement to catch any errors or unauthorized charges. If you spot either of these it is important to let your credit card issuer know immediately.
Closing
Credit cards can be an amazing tool if they are used responsibly. If you have a credit card already, consider following these tips and tricks to help keep your credit score up and avoid debt. Considering getting a credit card? Give your local Nebraska Bank location a call today to learn about what they have to offer and what the best option is for you.
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Sources
Credit card tips and advice. Nationwide. (n.d.). Retrieved May 10, 2023, from https://www.nationwide.com/lc/resources/personal-finance/articles/guide-to-using-credit-card.
Irby, L. T. (2022, January 30). 10 tips for using your first credit card. The Balance. Retrieved May 10, 2023, from https://www.thebalance.com/tips-for-starting-out-with-credit-960187.
Konsko, L. (2022, August 18). 7 credit card TIPS everyone should know. NerdWallet. Retrieved May 10, 2023, from https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/credit-card-tips-everyone-should-know.
May, 2023
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