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What You Need To Know About Credit Cards

In today’s modern times, credit cards are considered valuable as money itself and not having one may appear to be unthinkable in view of the need for us to support our family and pay for our basic needs.  Without having a credit card could also reflect a negative point to someone’s credit score and might affect someone’s credit card application later in life. 

Persons who are first time credit card holders or before now have a credit card for some time now but is not aware of the positives and the negatives that comes with it, you may want to understand a few of these guidelines to keep you the inconvenience or correct any mistakes connected with credit cards.

Late Payments

On time payments is a huge plus for you and your credit score.  In case you are unable to compensate it on schedule, however, you could appeal to your bank to provide you some form of consideration and if you are someone who routinely pay your credit card bills on time, you may definitely get it.  Late payments of credit card bills that occur on a usual basis does not only hurt your credit score, it will also make you pay heavier penalties and interest rates.

Missed payments

Akin to paying late of credit card bills, more interest fees and penalties are added to your debt.  For you to have a good credit record, you should prioritize paying your credit card as stated in you agreement.  Consequencesof a missed or late credit card monthly payment include a charge amounting from £10-£25 known as “late fee” charge.  Credit agencies are reported by your late payments and if you don’t improve this habit it will reflect badly to your credit record.  Furthermore, your interest rate will be likely increased to the default rate which is the highest interest rate creditors can assign you. 

On time habitual credit card payment is one of the most important things you can do with your financial reputation since 35% of your credit score is based on payments being made on time. 

Cash Advance

Getting a cash advance on your credit card should, as much as possible, only be used during emergencies or if you can immediately pay for it.  The reason for this is because after you get the money from the machine, interest for that money will start to roll and there is usually no grace period for it. If you have an urgent situation such as getting your pet to a veterinarian, you could first ask if they could charge it to your credit card rather than paying them cash that came from a cash advance with the same credit card.  The reason for this is because a cash advance will likely cost you more than an actual credit card charge.

Earning Points

If earning points is your motive in using your credit card frequently, think of the broader picture and how it could mess with your resources.  If your credit card payments is on a good track, then doing it might not be such a bad idea.  However, if you are often late with your credit card payments, you should get around this as much as possible and focus on settling your debts first.

Maxing out

If you often max out your credit card, it can also affect your credit score.  Also acknowledged as maxing out, this routine could also have potential consequences to your financial state and may have an impact to your future credit or loan applications.  Maxing out is part of the Credit Utilization criteria which is about 30 percent of the credit score.