The eight worst credit card mistakes
11/16/2010
There's no denying that credit cards can be useful financial tools, but they come with some dangers. While debt is the most obvious risk, it's far from the only one.
If you have credit cards, you want to be sure you are using them to your advantage and avoiding costly mistakes. To help you avoid these mistakes, here is a list of the 8 biggest credit card mistakes that people make.
1. Using your credit card like a debit card.
Your credit card is not your bank debit card. Never put your credit card into an ATM. You can expect a flat fee for getting a cash advance and also typically an increased interest rate on top of that for the convenience.
2. Signing up for a card with an annual fee and not setting a reminder in your calendar
It is sometimes a good idea to sign up for a new credit card to get a big sign-up bonus or take advantage of a balance-transfer offer. However, if you ended up with a card that has an annual fee, be sure to set a reminder in your calendar if you don't plan to keep the card and want to avoid the fee. Far too many people pay annual fees on credit cards because they forget to cancel the card. Keep in mind that no TTCU credit cards have any annual fees.
3. Not properly researching foreign transaction fees
Before traveling overseas, you need to realize that every credit card has different foreign currency exchange rates and international transaction fees. Typical fees are anywhere from 0% to 3%. If you have several cards in your wallet, you should use the one that has the best exchange rate.
4. Spending more on your card than you have in the bank
Credit card debt is one of the most costly types of debt. In fact, it is one reason so many people face huge financial problems. If you have a card, you need to be sure that you have a system in place to limit or monitor your spending. You need to know how to budget with your card, and if you don't do it well, you need to immediately address your credit card debt problems.
5. Giving anyone other than your spouse signing rights
If you get a secondary card for someone, you are liable for all the charges. If you're married, you're already liable. Otherwise, you are taking a serious risk by adding other card members. The only possible exception might be your children, and if they have accounts you should monitor them.
6. Signing up for a card to get a free T-shirt or a 10% discount on a $20 shirt
Sign up bonuses can end up costing you in the long run. Department store credit cards can be tempting when they offer a savings of 15% on your entire purchase, but they typically carry high interest rates and offer little in long term reward programs.
7. Not properly managing your statement and payments
Some people get into credit card trouble simply because they don't review their statements and they don't have a system in place for paying their bills. You need a system. If you are not in a habit of reviewing your statement, it is likely that you are making some recurring payments you know nothing about.
8. Not taking advantage of credit card rewards
I figure if you have a credit card you might as well be getting rewards. There is no such thing as the right card because the right card depends on your spending habits. Just be sure your spending is offering you something of value.
Adapted from MSN Money, Article by US News and World Report