Credit cards have become an essential financial tool in today’s world. From purchasing groceries to buying movie tickets, credit cards are the go-to mode of payment because of the security and convenience they provide. There are a variety of credit cards offered by different banks.
People daily receive text messages and emails with offers regarding different credit cards. Although it’s tempting to sign up for a credit card, one should consider a variety of things before applying for it.
Consider Why Are You Getting A Credit Card
A considerable amount of credit card holder is not sure of their motive behind the card. They get it because the bank was offering it and it lets them shop without paying at the time. Well, there is nothing wrong with their thinking or using the card, but it does open room for future problems.
It’s because the user doesn’t understand the value of this card and tends to overuse it. This overuse leaves them with a lot of unnecessary shopping goods and a massive debt that takes up all the upcoming finances.
Therefore, take some time to find the reason why you want a credit card and stick with the cause. It will prevent you from the temptation and ensure future reliability and balance financial condition.
Look At The Interest Rate
Many cards will lure you with an introductory interest rate of zero per cent. This may seem like a good deal, but be sure that you can pay your balance in the offer period else you’ll have to pay your balance at the new interest rate. Be sure to research what will be the interest rates after the promotional period. Shop around for cards that have a low-interest rate as it will save you money in the long run.
Look For A Card With No Annual Fees
When the credit card first started the companies charged a service price on them. They charge you annual charges for every availed card. However, with progress in digital trends, this policy has disappeared to a large extent.
Today, there are many credit cards available that do not require you to pay an annual fee to use them. You can research for such cards. A good place to find would be with your current bank or credit union. You can also search online for such credit cards. There are a variety of such cards available readily.
Further, do check the terms and conditions of the card before availing of it. You don’t want to end with a card that has no annual charges but eats a high interest every month.
Consider The Rewards Offered By The Credit Card
When you pay your balance at the end of the month, you should look for the rewards that your credit card has to offer to you. There are cashback cards available, which usually return a percentage of your spending to you. Otherwise, you may be able to cash these rewards in for a higher amount on a gift card. Some cards also offer travel reward cards which you can use for travelling purposes.
Take A Look At The Penalties
You should be sure to check about the penalties and the terms related to it. Most of the companies have set rules for late fees and interest rates. However, some companies also have policies to raise your interest rate after several late payments. So, you might want to be clear about the terms. You should also consider switching the card company if some other company can provide the same facilities with fewer penalty risks.
The Final Words
Credit cards are a great asset for everyone out there. They provide you with the convenience to shop without payment, avail EMI services and a lot of extra discounts. However, they are no jokes, and you should always take the utmost care while availing as well as using them.
If you use it wisely it can be a boon, but if used wrongly, it can fill your life with debts. So, consider the above points and be careful with this incredible and powerful tool.