Sunday, November 30, 2008

Understanding the Terms Of Credit Card

By Mike Carbeck

If you're looking to get a credit card, be sure to go over the terms with a fine-toothed comb. If you don't understand the financial details of the credit card offer, you are risking your credit rating, and are also in danger of falling into debt .You need to compare the companies and the credit card offers to find the one that will work best for your situation. Since you'll be paying the credit card company a lot in interest and other charges, pick the one that gives you the most for your money.

Many people fall into debt because they charge too many luxuries onto their credit card, over spending their limits and becoming unable to pay the bill in full each month. If you do not pay the full balance when it's due, then you'll end up paying interest on the amount you've charged. If you don't understand how credit cards work and how all of the interest adds up, you're in danger of falling deeper and deeper into debt.

On the other hand, it's important to build credit so that you can secure a loan later on. If you do not have a credit history, lenders will look at you as a high-risk applicant. If you have no credit history, consider applying for your first credit card, as long as you understand the financial risk involved. Be sure to pay it off every month, and don't overuse it.

However, do not apply for a credit card if you're trying to eliminate debt. Using a credit card while you're in debt is a bad idea, as it will likely only lower your credit rating, making it even harder to climb your way out of debt. Especially if you already have a lot of debt, you'll only be able to get a high-risk credit card. These come with higher interest rates, fees, and annual charges. Some even charge an upfront deposit, because your debts provide them no guarantee that you will pay your bill on time. Plus, the credit limit will be very low to start, sometimes even as low as $250.00. Charging items to a high-risk credit card is no way to get yourself out of debt; you will only end up adding to it.

If you have no credit, it is worthwhile to consider getting a credit card. However, it is not true that you must establish credit. You can use cash to pay for items, rent, or other necessities. But you should have some credit if you want to apply for a loan later on. If you have no credit and apply for a card in order to build credit, be sure that you do not fall into debt using the card. While they come in handy when used with self-control, you can let your debt get out of hand easily by overusing your credit card.

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