Finding the best credit card
offers is as easy as 1, 2, 3...

Tips for credit card usage

By Ben Woolsey

There are many advantages to having a credit card such as being able to purchase items online and make hotel and car reservations. The way you handle your purchases should be taken seriously. Following are a few tips and suggestions about credit cards.

• Credit cards are just like a loan -- you have to pay what you owe -- so try and not overcharge more than you can afford to pay.
• Keep track of how much you spend on your credit card. Remember that incidental and impulse purchases add up fast.
• Save your credit card receipts. Compare them with your monthly bill. Promptly report problems to the company that issued the card.
• Never lend your credit cards to anyone.
• Owing more than you can repay can damage your credit rating. That can make it hard to finance a car, rent an apartment, get insurance or even get a job.
• Pay your credit card bill on time, and in full when possible. If you don't, you'll have to pay finance charges on the unpaid balance-and it takes forever to get caught up if you just pay the minimum.

Federal law limits your liability for unauthorized charges to $50 per card.

Published: August 5, 2005

	Three most recent Credit account management stories: What records to keep and how long to keep them – Keep too little paper and you'll be stammering at the IRS agent at audit time. Too much and paper can take over your house. How much is just right? ... 7 credit card disasters who became credit masters – Repaying big card balances is hard enough, but remaining debt-free is even more so. Learn how seven credit card 'disasters' turned into credit card masters ... How social networking can help credit card debtors – While social networking groups are virtual, the results from participating in online debt relief support groups are real ...

	CreditCards.com's newsletter Did you like this story? Then sign up for CreditCards.com’s weekly e-newsletter for the latest news, advice, articles and tips. It's FREE. Once a week you will receive the top credit card industry news in your inbox. Sign up now!