Reducing Credit Card DebtMany of us use a credit card for online purchases, bill pay, or when we go out so we have some fraud protection. Throw in a major auto repair or medical expense and it can be easy to start running a balance. It's easy to feel resigned to being in debt but with proper planning you can get your credit cards under control.
Free Museum Admission with Bank of AmericaIf you bank or have a credit card with Bank of America, every first full weekend of every month you can take advantage of complimentary/free general admission to select museums, gardens, aquariums in the United States.
Cash and Carry at All CostsI know it's been said before but, trust me, cash is better than store cards. I have been working hard on my credit. The score has gone up another two points. The one thing I learned the most was no more store cards. Interest charges added up and that was hard to recover from.
Look For Credit Cards with No FeesTo save money with credit cards, shop around for rewards credit cards with no fees. Interest rates may be higher, but be smart: pay off everything in full every month and don't pay those ridiculously high interest fees.
Dreams Come True with a Credit CardAfter my son moved across the country, I worried how we/they could afford to visit regularly. I signed up for two credit cards that offered flyer miles for a total of 4 round free trip flights and we enjoyed regular visits!
Ask for Photo ID on Credit CardOn the back of your credit card, instead of your signature, write "Photo ID required". That way if it is stolen, no-one could use it (unless they are an identical twin). It's still important to report it lost or stolen, as this would not protect you in a phone or mail order situation.
Paying Off Credit CardsIf you are serious about paying off your credit card and have the extra money in your budget, I have found this simple solution very helpful and effective but you have to be serious about paying them off and stay on track.
Warning About Keychain Credit CardsI had a speed pass for gasoline. I got my gas bill several weeks later and time for a thief to rack up a bill for close to $700 on gas, food from service station, and multiple gas charges at the same time.
Getting The Most Out Of Your Credit Card RewardsMost credit cards today offer a rewards program. If you use your credit cards routinely, you should check to find out if you have some rewards available. Log in to your credit card account or check your statement to see if you have rewards points.
Think of Using Credit as Spending MoneyOne trap that many of us fall into is thinking about spending money and using credit as different, when both affect our monthly budget. We may buy something on credit that we would never consider paying cash for.
Card Safety At The Gas PumpUse the clear button after you get your receipt when pumping gas at the gas station. It should be on the bottom left hand side. A dishonest employee could possibly use the stored info you leave at the pump if you don't.
Protecting Credit Cards with RFIDDid you know that someone can steal your credit/debit card information by just standing near you? They can if you have one of the new cards that work under the RFID technology. RFID - Radio Frequency Identification.
Use Sticky Notes To Track Credit Card BalancesI've been reading "sticky-notes" ideas and was reminded of one of my own uses. I use the smallest notes. Then I stick them to my credit cards with a notation of the available balance remaining on that card.
Tracking Credit Card RewardsMake sure to check your monthly statements to see if you can redeem any of your reward points. Many credit cards accumulate reward points based on the amount you spend.
Product Review: Capital One No Hassle RewardsFirst, a warning. ONLY do this if you have the cash on hand to pay off your credit card balance at the end of each month. Otherwise, you will be paying interest, which defeats the point.
Use PayPal Instead of Credit CardsI am really trying not to use credit cards for spending. I have a PayPal account. So every week I put money into my PayPal account. It can be 2, 3, 10 dollars or more. This way, when I come across something I want to purchase on-line, I can just pay for it from my PayPal account. It's also neat to treat it as a savings. For example if you put $10 a week in the account for 52 weeks, you will save an easy $520 at the end of the year you start savings.
Is It Really Priceless?No matter what MasterCard executives want you to believe, those scenarios presented in their television advertisements are not priceless; in fact, they're quite expensive. The ads ask an array of appraisal questions all ending with the same answer - priceless.
Store CreditThe scenario is familiar. At the check out counter of the local department store, the clerk asks if you would like to apply for the store's credit card. As a reward for signing, you receive an instant discount in the amount of 10% or even 15%. Do you sign on?
Keep Credit Card Receipts Around CardI am not a fan of credit cards but do use them from time to time when I don't want funds tied up using a debit card or when I need to delay the payment on a large ticket item.
Using Credit Cards OnlineWhen using a credit card online, stick to using only one card and use only for that purpose. You can get one that has a low limit, like 300 dollars. That way if someone gets a hold of it, you do not have a big limit on the card.
Buy Gas With A Card That Pays Cash BackThis is how we turn the painful gas prices into a rewarding experience. If you don't already have a credit card that has rewards, research card companies that have great rewards.
When Things Aren't On SaleThere is a time when things aren't on sale-no matter what the store sign says, what's written on the price tag, or how much the cashier actually charges. When is this? When you pay with your charge card.
Credit Card Fees in Foreign CountriesIf you're fortunate enough to travel overseas, first check with your credit card company about any daily fees and what their policy is on the Monetary Exchange Rate.
Use Credit Cards for All Purchases and Earn Cash BackI recently received my credit card bill and was happy to see my cash back amount earned was $120.00, which I called and had them apply to my bill. We only use one credit card and charge everything we purchase in a month.
Stop Charging and Start Using CashIf your credit card debt is getting out of hand, the first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards. Many people get into the mindset of "I'll pay it off later" or "I'm already in debt, what will a little debt hurt?".
Stopping Prescreened Credit Card OffersYou can choose to stop receiving 'prescreened' offers of credit from credit and insurance companies by calling this number. I did it and stopped the offers for 5 years for my husband and I.
Keeping Credit Card Signatures LegibleKeeping Credit Card Signatures Legible. To keep your signature legible on the back of your credit or debit card, just cover it with a strip of cellophane tape.
Credit Cards with RewardsDon't be fooled by a credit card company's claims that credit cards can help you save money. Finance charges quickly erase any benefits that credit cards offer in cash back incentives unless you pay your credit card off at the end of each month.
Beware of Balance Transfer FeesIf you have a credit card you have probably received balance transfer offers which offer to lower your interest rate. Make sure to factor in the balance transfer fees and to look at the actual interest rate before accepting one of these offers.
Using Cash Back Cards for Gas PurchasesI use my Citicard "Platinum Select Card" to buy gasoline. You save 5% of cost (about 15 cents/ gal.). It adds up . . .
Round Up Credit Card PaymentsWhen paying off credit cards, always round up payments as much as you can. If the minimum payment is $25, try to pay $30. Credit card companies set minimum payments to maximize the amount of interest they can earn from you over the life of the debt.
Low Interest Credit Card CautionsCredit card companies are not altruistic in any way. I carry a balance with 0% interest. They sent me checks to buy items or to transfer other balances at 3.99%. On the surface this seems like a good deal but then I read a contract they provided.
Earning Money on CreditLooking for a way to earn money? Apply for a credit card with an introductory rate of 0% interest for 12 months when you use the credit card checks....
Avoid Going Over Your Credit LimitWhen paying your bills, always write your available credit on a list, so when you go shopping you will not go over your credit limit and be charged a fee.
Pay Credit Cards on TimePay your credit card bill on time to eliminate unwanted interest payments and nasty late fees. This can really add to your bill and possibly give them an excuse to raise your interest rate.
Credit Card Information on Your ComputerWe know a couple that pay off their credit card each month. A few years ago, they went to purchase new patio furniture and the clerk told them they needed to pay with another form of payment as their credit card was maxed out. Knowing this couldn't or shouldn't be so, they rushed home to call their credit card company.
Avoid Late Payment FeesTo avoid late payment fees and possible interest rate increases on your credit cards, make sure to send in your payment 7-10 days before the payment due date. Late payments on one credit card can increase fees and interest rates on your other credit cards.
Get a Lower Rate on Credit Card DebtWhen trying to tackle your credit card debt, be sure to call your credit card company and ask for a lower rate. Tell them that you are shopping for a better interest rate and wanted to see what they had to offer first. They will often try to work with you to retain you as a customer.
Before Taking Your Credit Cards On VacationNotify your credit card company when you are going on vacation. Charges from strange areas may make them think your card was stolen and reject a charge you may want to make. We were going to Cancun, Mexico.
Credit Card TipWhen you have a new credit card, don't sign your name on the back, instead write your driver's license number. The clerk will have to ask you to see your driver's license but that only takes a minute to check.
Credit Card InsuranceCredit card user do not need to buy insurance. Most credit card insurance companies have a $50 deductible clause under their coverage, and federal law provides this coverage for free. A cardholder's liability is limited to $50 per card on charges incurred before the credit card company is notified of the loss or theft.
By joesgirl
Cooling Off Period for Credit Card UseIf you have a tendency to use your credit cards impulsively, try this: put them in a watertight zip-lock baggie. Drop this baggie (sealed shut) inside a larger baggie (or another type of container) that is filled with water.
Track Credit Card UsageTo keep good track of credit card usage, I enter the amount of each charge into my checkbook and subtract it from the balance there, then when the credit card bill comes, there's enough to pay the bill in full.
By Jackie
Credit Card Frequent Flyer MilesUse one Visa/MasterCard and charge everything. For years we flew to Hawaii using frequent flyer awards to upgrade to business and first class for the same price as economy fare in "scrunch class."
Save Your ReceiptsIf you see an item that you may want that has a good sale price, and are not sure if you have some at home, buy it anyway because you can always return it with your sales receipt.
Activate New Credit Cards QuicklyThis is something to think about; your old card is beginning to peel and show wear so you order two new replacement cards with the same numbers ... you may have an embarrassing situation!
Treat Your Credit Card Like Real MoneyWhenever you make a purchase using the card, deduct that amount from your checkbook register just as if you had used a check. When the credit card bill arrives, pay in full. Treat your credit card like real money!
