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Credit cards are a type of loan that allows cardholders to borrow funds to pay for goods and services, and they work as a short-term loan where you borrow money from the credit card company and then repay it later. Different types of credit cards include cash back credit cards, travel rewards credit cards, and secured credit cards, and they can impact your credit score directly while debit card usage has no impact on your credit score.
In this ultimate guide, you'll learn the basics of how credit cards work, including how to build a good credit score with credit cards, choose the right credit card for your needs, understand credit limits and interest rates, manage credit card debt wisely, and use credit cards responsibly to build a positive credit history and healthy credit score.
Understanding Credit Cards: The Basics
A credit card is a physical card that can be used to make purchases, pay bills, or withdraw cash. It works as a short-term loan where you borrow money from the credit card company and then repay it later. Credit cards allow you to make purchases or pay bills up to a certain limit, and your available credit is reduced as you charge things to the card. If you don't pay your bill in full each month, you'll carry a balance and accrue interest charges, usually expressed as an annual percentage rate (APR).
Credit cards can be categorized into three major types:
Rewards credit cards
Low-interest and balance transfer cards
Credit-building cards, such as secured credit cards that require a cash deposit and can help build credit
When comparing credit cards, consider the following factors:
Regular variable APR for purchases
APR for balance transfers and cash advances
Promotional APR terms and conditions
Annual fees
Rewards programs
Introductory bonus offer terms
Building a Good Credit Score with Credit Cards
Building a good credit score with credit cards involves several key strategies:
Pay bills on time, including credit cards, loans, and other financial obligations to avoid late fees and potential damage to your credit score.
Keep credit card balances low, ideally at no more than 30% of the total credit limit, to maintain a good credit utilization ratio. Paying off the entire balance can help keep the credit utilization ratio low and avoid interest charges.
Maintain a long credit history by:
Keeping old credit card accounts open
Becoming an authorized user on someone else's credit card with a high credit limit and a good history of on-time payments
Regularly using your credit card to demonstrate active use, which can positively impact your credit score
Apply for new credit only when necessary, as multiple applications in a short period can signal financial distress and temporarily lower your credit score.
Regularly review credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion for errors and dispute any inaccuracies to ensure accuracy and prevent identity theft.
Manage your debt-to-income ratio by keeping monthly recurring debts much lower than your income.
Consider using credit-building tools such as secured credit cards, rent-reporting services, or Experian Boost to establish or improve your credit history.
Types of Credit Cards
There are several types of credit cards available, each designed to cater to different needs and preferences. Common types include rewards cards that offer points or cash back based on spending, low-interest cards for those looking to save on interest charges, and student cards tailored for young people establishing credit. Secured credit cards, are popular options for building credit, requiring a cash deposit as collateral.
Other types of credit cards include:
Cash Back Credit Cards: These cards offer easy-to-earn cash back or statement credits on spending, with rewards structures varying by card.
Travel Credit Cards: Designed for frequent travelers, these cards let you earn flexible credits for travel purchases or points transferable to airline or hotel programs.
Business Credit Cards: Ideal for separating personal and business expenses, these cards offer rewards on business spending and can be cash back, general rewards, travel, or secured cards.
Co-branded Credit Cards: Offered through traditional issuers, these cards are partnered with airlines, hotels, or retail stores, allowing you to earn rewards within their specific programs 32.
Balance Transfer Credit Cards: These Cards offer introductory 0% APR periods on balance transfers, helping you save on interest while paying down debt.
Choosing the Right Credit Card
When choosing a credit card, consider factors such as interest rates, annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and late payment fees to ensure the card aligns with your financial habits and current situation. Doing thorough research beforehand is crucial, as each credit card application results in a hard inquiry on your credit report, temporarily impacting your credit score. Reserve your hard inquiries for cards you genuinely want and can afford to maximize benefits.
Various types of credit cards cater to different needs, such as:
Welcome bonuses and perks
Low-interest rates or balance transfer offers
Rewards programs for travel, cash back, or specific categories like groceries.
Student credit cards for building credit
Before applying, check your credit score and report, determine which type of card suits your needs, and compare offers from various issuers. Consider submitting a pre-qualification form online to see if you may qualify for a card without impacting your credit score.
Selecting Your First Credit Card
When selecting your first credit card, consider cards designed for people with limited or no credit history, such as student credit cards or secured credit cards . Before applying, review the terms and conditions, including interest rates and fees, which credit card issuers are required to disclose in the Schumer box.
Keep in mind that most credit card fees are avoidable, and interest charges can be completely avoided by paying your credit card bill in full every month. Credit cards also offer more protection against fraud compared to debit cards.
If your credit card application is rejected, the issuer will provide an explanation, which can help you improve your chances of approval in the future.
Understanding Credit Limits and Interest Rates
Credit card limits are determined by factors such as payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, credit mix, and recent inquiries. Issuers also consider household income, employment, and monthly expenses. Predetermined credit limits are based on the card type, for example, a starter credit card might come with a $500 limit, while a premium credit card would come with a $5,000 limit. Customized credit limits are created by comparing several different types of scores, such as a credit score and bankruptcy score, considering income or debt-to-income ratio, and taking into account the limits on your other credit cards. To increase credit card limits, you can wait for your credit card issuer to offer a higher credit card limit or request a higher credit limit.
Credit card interest rates are not limited by federal law, except for active-duty military service members and their covered dependents under the Military Lending Act and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Some states have usury laws that limit the amount of interest that can be charged on different kinds of loans, but these laws typically apply in the state where the credit card issuer is based, not necessarily the state where you live. The Federal Reserve raised interest rates 10 times between March 2022 and May 2023, causing the average APR on credit cards to increase 44% from 14.56% to 20.92% . You can check your credit card's interest rate on your credit card statement or new card offer. The Schumer box shows APRs and other charges associated with your card, including your purchase rate and the rate you pay on card balances carried over month to month.
Factors that affect your credit card interest rate include:
Credit score
Promotional rates
Penalty APRs
Cash advance rate
Secured vs. unsecured cards
To find the best interest rate on a credit card, check your credit, compare cards, and read the fine print before signing a card agreement. Before applying for a credit card, review the interest rates and fees, such as annual fees and foreign transaction fees. Credit card interest rates are notoriously high, with an average APR of 16.61%.
Managing Credit Card Debt Wisely
Late or incomplete payments can result in steep interest increases, late fees, and negative effects on your credit score. To avoid these consequences, make at least the minimum payment on your credit card bills by the due date each month. However, paying only the minimum is the longest and most expensive way to pay off your balances. Instead, aim to pay more than the minimum to reduce interest charges and pay off debt faster.
High credit card balances can negatively impact your credit score due to increased credit utilization. To manage credit card debt effectively:
Pay off high-interest-rate balances first to save money on interest charges and get out of debt quicker
Simplify payments by consolidating debt into a single payment, potentially lowering interest payments
Choose a repayment strategy, such as the Debt Snowball (paying off the card with the lowest balance first) or the Debt Avalanche (paying off the card with the highest interest rate first)
Consider balance transfer credit cards, debt consolidation loans, or working with creditors to lower interest rates
As of Q2 2023, the average credit card debt in the US is $6,365. To prevent accumulating excessive debt, practice responsible spending by:
Budgeting and avoiding impulse buying
Building an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses
Increasing income through side jobs or temporary work to pay off debt faster
Reviewing and revising your budget to identify unnecessary spending and allocate more funds towards debt repayment
Remember, applying for multiple credit cards in a short period can negatively affect credit scores, so be selective and careful when applying. If you're facing financial hardship, contact your credit card provider to discuss potential repayment plans or reduced interest rates.
Responsible Credit Card Usage
Responsible credit card usage involves only charging what you can afford, staying well below your credit limit, and always paying your card's full statement balance. Regularly checking your credit card statements helps keep spending in check and can help detect fraudulent transactions. If you lose your card or suspect it has been stolen, report it immediately to prevent unauthorized use.
To maximize benefits, take advantage of credit card rewards programs and set up account alerts to monitor spending, prevent late payments, and detect fraud. However, be cautious about closing unused credit cards, as this can reduce your total available credit and lower the average age of your credit accounts.
Consider using your credit card as a budgeting tool to monitor purchases and stay within your budget. When using a rewards card, take advantage of the additional benefits offered. To build responsible credit card habits, use your card cautiously for necessary purchases only and avoid making too many impulse buys that don't fit within your budget and financial goals. Signing up for automatic payments can ensure timely payments and help you avoid late fees. Regularly check your statements for accuracy and immediately report any potentially fraudulent activity. Avoid unnecessary fees by understanding all fees associated with your card and taking steps to avoid them. Monitor your credit progress by regularly checking your free credit report and FICO score from Experian. Tools like Experian Boost can help raise your credit scores instantly by factoring in rent payments, which is beneficial for those with little to no credit history. Experian GoTM is another tool that can help establish and build credit. Becoming an authorized user on someone else's credit card can also help build credit quickly, but remember that the primary cardholder is responsible for any charges made. Lastly, regularly checking your credit card statements and monitoring your credit reports can help you detect and report credit card fraud and see how your credit card activity impacts your credit scores.
Building a Positive Credit History
Credit cards can be a valuable tool for building credit when used responsibly. They offer fraud protection and can help with budgeting by allowing you to track your spending.
Once you've found the best first credit card for your needs, it's important to hold onto your oldest card. As you work towards improving your credit score and graduating to a regular credit card, keep your first card active by using it a few times each year to maintain your long credit history.
Building a positive credit history takes time and consistent responsible credit card usage. By keeping your oldest credit card open and using it occasionally, you demonstrate a long-standing relationship with credit, which can positively impact your credit score.
Building a Healthy Credit Score
Secured credit cards can be an effective tool for building or rebuilding credit, as they require a cash deposit that serves as collateral and typically equals the credit limit This deposit reduces risk for the lender, making it easier for individuals with limited or poor credit history to qualify.
By using a secured credit card responsibly and making on-time payments, you can demonstrate your creditworthiness and establish a positive payment history, which is a key factor in determining your credit score. As you consistently make payments and keep your balance low, you may see improvements in your credit score over time.
Once you've established a track record of responsible credit usage with a secured card, you may become eligible for a traditional unsecured credit card with better terms and rewards. However, it's essential to continue practicing good credit habits, such as paying bills on time, keeping credit utilization low, and monitoring your credit reports regularly, to maintain and further improve your credit health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, credit cards are powerful financial tools that, when used responsibly, can help you build a strong credit history and access valuable benefits. By understanding the different types of credit cards available, such as rewards cards, secured cards, and balance transfer cards, you can select the one that best aligns with your financial goals and spending habits. It's crucial to consistently practice good credit habits, like paying bills on time, keeping credit utilization low, and regularly monitoring your credit reports, to maintain and improve your credit health over time.
FAQs
Q: Can you explain the basics of how credit cards function? A: A credit card provides a convenient way to borrow funds for purchases. Every month, you must repay either the full amount or a portion of the money you've borrowed. If you don't pay the full balance, you will incur fees and interest on the remaining amount.
Q: What is the most important rule to follow when using credit cards? A: The most critical rule in credit card use is to strive to pay off your entire balance every month to avoid interest charges. By doing so, you effectively use credit for free and can take advantage of any additional benefits your card provides. Always ensure you make at least the minimum payment.
Q: Could you describe what a credit card is and how it works for someone new to credit? A: A credit card comes with a set credit limit, which is the maximum amount you can spend. You can make purchases up to this limit and repay the amount later. If you carry a balance beyond the payment due date, you'll be subject to interest charges. It's also crucial to understand the terms and conditions, especially for promotional offers.
Q: What are the steps involved in using a credit card for a purchase? A: The process of using a credit card involves several steps. When you make a purchase, the details of your account are sent to the merchant's bank. This information is then authorized by the credit card network, and the funds are transferred to the merchant. There are various types of credit cards available, such as cash back cards, travel rewards cards, and secured credit cards, each with different features and benefits.