Essential Guidelines For More Prudent Credit Card Use
Pay your balance in full each month
Avoid carrying a balance and paying interest charges.
Don't spend beyond your means
Only charge what you can afford to pay back.
Check statements for errors
Review statements each month and report any unauthorized charges.
Pay on time
Late payments can incur fees and hurt your credit score. Set up autopay or calendar reminders.
Limit total credit card debt
Experts recommend keeping total credit card balances below 30% of your available credit limits.
Consider balance transfers
Moving high-interest balances to a 0% intro APR card can save on interest, but check fees.
Protect your information
Shred documents with account numbers and watch out for skimmers at gas stations and ATMs. Use secure websites when providing account info online.