A Guide to Wise Credit Card Usage

Half the time, people with credit cards are either too careless or too busy to bother about how they use their credit cards. That is, until they find out they’ve become victims of identity theft and credit card fraud.

While those who are already victims have probably learned their lesson, it’s never too late for you to maintain a little more caution when it comes to credit card usage. Here are a few pointers when it comes to credit card usage:

1. Always keep your credit in check – Having a good credit score is very advantageous. Credit card companies and loan companies use your credit score as a basis for your applications. The higher the credit score, the better benefits you get.

2. Be wary of your credit card usage – When using your credit cards, be sure to keep a close eye on it—literally. When using it online, be sure that you see a padlock icon on the bottom part of your browser window, or that the web site address has an https:// prefix instead of the normal http://. Both of these are assurances that you’re in a secure site, not a fake one or a phishing site.

Also, if using a credit card in places where you have to give the card to somebody in order to process a transaction (like in a restaurant), observe the person you give it to. Make sure he/she goes straight to the cash register or cashier, and no place else. This eliminates the chances that your credit card might be used in identity theft and credit card fraud.

3. Be a wise spender and credit card holder – If you can pay the amount in cash, do not use your credit card. Do not max your card either. A lot of Americans are left in debt because of unwise credit card usage, and lack of knowledge as well. At the moment, a low-interest credit card is the best choice because of the way the economy is in the country.

Also, be sure not to have too many credit cards. Having two is ideal. In fact, one is already enough. Having three or more is just too much. You’ll have too many bills to think about, too many interest rates, and too many pay dates.

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