Having a credit card can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it gives you the freedom to purchase items without having to pay for them upfront; on the other hand, if used improperly it can lead to serious financial issues.
Understanding the dos and don’ts of using credit cards is essential in making sure that you stay out of debt and maintain good credit.
In this article, we will discuss some key tips for managing your credit card responsibly so that you can get the most out of your finances.
Understanding Credit Cards
We often hear about credit cards, but not everyone understands how they work. So let’s discuss first the basics of credit cards to help you make informed decisions.
How Credit Cards Work
Credit cards allow you to borrow money from a bank or financial institution to make purchases. You can use the card to pay for goods and services, and the bank will pay the merchant on your behalf. You are then required to pay back the bank within a specified period, usually a month.
When you use a credit card, you are essentially taking out a loan. The amount you can borrow is determined by your credit limit, which is based on your credit history and income. You will also be charged interest on the amount you borrow if you don’t pay it back in full by the due date.
Types of Credit Cards
There are different types of credit cards available in the Philippines, each with its own features and benefits. Some cards offer cashback rewards, while others provide discounts on purchases or travel perks. It’s essential to choose a card that suits your needs and spending habits.
Some common types of credit cards in the Philippines include:
- Rewards credit cards
- Cashback credit cards
- Travel credit cards
- Balance transfer credit cards
Benefits of Using Credit Cards
Using a credit card can have several benefits, such as:
- Building credit history
- Earning rewards and discounts
- Convenience of cashless transactions
- Emergency funds in case of unexpected expenses
However, it’s important to use credit cards responsibly and pay off the balance in full each month to avoid high-interest charges and debt accumulation.
Risks of Using Credit Cards
While credit cards can be useful, there are also risks involved. Some of the risks include:
- High-interest rates and fees
- Overspending and debt accumulation
- Identity theft and fraud
It’s crucial to be aware of these risks and use credit cards responsibly to avoid financial problems.
The Dos of Credit Card Use
Pay Your Bills on Time
One of the most important things to remember when using a credit card is to pay your bills on time. Late payments can result in high fees and can damage your credit score. To avoid this, make sure to pay your bills before the due date. You can set up automatic payments or use online banking to make sure you never miss a payment.
Stay Within Your Credit Limit
It’s important to stay within your credit limit to avoid over-limit fees and to keep your credit score in good standing. Make sure to keep track of your spending and check your available credit before making purchases. If you’re close to your credit limit, consider making a payment to reduce your balance.
Check Your Statements Regularly
Checking your credit card statements regularly is important to make sure there are no unauthorized charges or errors. Review your statements every month and report any discrepancies to your credit card issuer immediately. This can help protect you from fraud and can also help you keep track of your spending.
Keep Your Credit Card Information Safe
Protecting your credit card information is crucial to prevent fraud and identity theft. Make sure to keep your card in a safe place and never share your card details with anyone.
When making online purchases, only use secure websites and avoid using public Wi-Fi networks. If you suspect your card has been compromised, contact your credit card issuer immediately.
The Don’ts of Credit Card Use
While credit cards can be a useful financial tool, it’s important to use them responsibly. Here are some don’ts to keep in mind:
Don’t Max Out Your Credit Card
Maxing out your credit card means you’ve used up your entire credit limit. This can negatively impact your credit score and make it harder to get approved for loans or credit in the future.
It’s important to keep your credit utilization ratio (the amount of credit you’re using compared to your credit limit) below 30%.
For example, if your credit limit is Php 50,000, you should aim to keep your balance below Php 15,000.
Don’t Use Your Credit Card for Cash Advances
Using your credit card for cash advances can be tempting, especially when you’re in a pinch. However, cash advances often come with high fees and interest rates.
In addition, interest on cash advances starts accruing immediately, unlike regular credit card purchases where you have a grace period to pay off the balance without interest.
It’s better to use your credit card for purchases you can pay off in full each month.
Don’t Ignore Your Credit Card Debt
If you’re struggling to make credit card payments, it’s important to take action right away. Ignoring your credit card debt can lead to late fees, higher interest rates, and damage to your credit score.
Consider reaching out to your credit card issuer to discuss your options, such as a payment plan or balance transfer to a card with a lower interest rate.
Don’t Apply for Too Many Credit Cards at Once
While it can be tempting to apply for multiple credit cards to take advantage of sign-up bonuses or rewards, applying for too many cards at once can hurt your credit score.
Each credit card application results in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can lower your score. It’s better to apply for one or two cards at a time and space out your applications.
I recommend sticking to one or two cards and monitoring your spending and payment history closely. This can help you maintain a healthy credit score and reduce the risk of accruing too much debt.
READ: 7 Credit Cards with No Annual Fee in the Philippines
Tips for Managing Your Credit Card
Set a Budget
It’s important to set a budget and stick to it when using your credit card. This will help you avoid overspending and accumulating debt. Make sure to include all your expenses and income in your budget plan.
You can use a budgeting app, a spreadsheet, or my free budgeting template to help you keep track of your expenses and income.
Use Your Credit Card Wisely
Using your credit card wisely means not using it to buy things you can’t afford. Only use your credit card for purchases that you can pay off in full each month. Don’t use your credit card to withdraw cash as this will incur high-interest rates and fees.
Additionally, don’t share your credit card details with anyone, and keep your card in a safe place.
Pay More Than the Minimum Balance
When you receive your credit card statement, make sure to pay more than the minimum balance. Paying only the minimum balance will result in higher interest charges and it will take longer to pay off your debt.
If possible, pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges altogether.
Seek Professional Help When Needed
If you’re struggling with credit card debt, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. There are credit counseling agencies that can help you create a debt management plan and negotiate with your creditors to lower your interest rates and monthly payments.
You can also seek help from a financial planner or a lawyer who specializes in debt management.
By following these tips, we can manage our credit cards effectively and avoid falling into debt. Remember to always use your credit card wisely and pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
READ: Is it Worth Paying a Credit Card Annual Fee?
Want to have your own credit card? Apply for Citibank Credit Card