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Credit cards have become an indispensable financial product for many people, providing great convenience while shopping and letting you enjoy rewards for using them. However, credit cards are also tricky, and if misused, they could spell financial ruin in the long run. In this blog post, we’ll outline five common credit card mistakes to avoid and explain how to fix them, making credit card management easier and safer for you.
1. Carrying a credit card balance.
Carrying a balance is one of the most common credit card mistakes. This means you’re not paying off the principal amount, which accrues interest. Over time, this can lead to your card balance snowballing beyond your ability to repay. To avoid this mistake, you must aim to pay off your credit card balance each month. Consider getting a card with a lower interest rate or transferring balances to a card with a 0% introductory rate.
2. Missing payment deadlines.
Late payments can damage your credit score, incur late fees, and trigger higher interest rates on your card balance. Track your payment deadlines and set up automatic payments to avoid this mistake.
3. Applying for multiple credit cards at once.
Applying for multiple cards at once can harm your credit score since each time you apply for a credit card, the issuer makes a hard inquiry on your credit report. Hard inquiries lower your credit score by about five points per inquiry. Avoid this mistake by limiting card applications to only the necessary ones.
4. Ignoring your credit card rewards.
If you’re not taking advantage of your credit card rewards, you leave free money on the table. Review your card’s rewards program and redeem your points for cash, travel, or other benefits.
5. Using a credit card for purchases you can’t afford.
This is a mistake that could jeopardize your credit score significantly. If you buy things you can’t pay for, you risk accumulating debt and maxing out your credit limit, resulting in a lower credit score and higher interest rates. A useful tip is to use your credit card only for planned purchases or emergencies. Avoid impulse buying and make sure you can comfortably pay off your monthly card balance.
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Credit cards are an excellent way to enhance your purchasing power and earn rewards, but only if you use them wisely. The key to a healthy credit score is to avoid common credit card mistakes such as carrying balances, missing payment deadlines, applying for multiple cards, ignoring rewards, and overusing credit cards.
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