Credit cards can be a great way to build your credit and earn rewards, but they can also make it easy to go over budget. If you’re new to the world of credit cards or just want tips on how to use them responsibly, here are six questions we’re often asked about credit cards.
Can I pay my credit card bill before the due date?
Yes, you can pay your credit card bill before the due date. However, it’s important to note that if you do this, you’ll still be charged interest on the balance of your account. For example, if your payment was due on December 1st and you paid it on November 30th instead of December 1st, then any purchases made between those dates would still accrue interest as they normally would’ve had they been paid after their respective statement closing date.
How can I clear up a negative balance on my credit card account?
We’ve all been there. You’re in a bind and need to pay off your credit card balance (quickly). Your first instinct is probably to just make the minimum payment on time each month, but that never really helps you get out of debt. In fact, if you do that for long enough, it’ll only make matters worse!
The best way to clear up a negative credit card balance is to pay more than the minimum amount due each month. This method will help save money by reducing interest charges and increasing your available credit line over time. According to the professionals at SoFi, “A negative credit card balance isn’t a bad thing. However, if you need the funds for other bills, it’s wise to request a refund immediately.”
Do I have to use my credit card every month?
No, you don’t. In fact, if you never use your credit card, it will still report as a liability on your credit report and negatively impact your score. It’s important to keep in mind that opening a line of credit is the most important factor in determining your score—not whether or not you actually use it. So even if you don’t want to carry a balance on your card each month and pay off the entire thing each month, make sure that at least one payment is made so that you’re able to demonstrate responsible behavior with a credit
Can I be stuck with debt forever?
While you may think that you can’t be stuck with debt forever, the truth is that it’s possible. You can get into debt as far as your credit card limit goes, and if you use the card to buy things regularly or even just make minimum payments, you’ll end up paying interest on each purchase. This means that your balance will go up over time while your income goes down (assuming no other changes in either).
How can I avoid getting in too far over my head with debt?
The best way to avoid debt is to make sure you can afford the interest rate and minimum payment. If you cannot pay your balance in full each month, then a balance transfer card may be a good idea. With this card, you can transfer your existing credit card balance at 0% interest for a set time (usually 12 months). This gives you more time to pay off your entire balance without accruing additional interest charges.
Do I still have to pay if my credit card is stolen?
If you report the theft of your credit card to the issuer, they will not hold you liable for any charges made on that card. If you don’t report it and someone else uses your credit card without authorization, those charges are considered fraudulent and could affect your credit score.
Hopefully, this article has made it clear that credit cards are an essential tool for modern life and can be used safely and responsibly. You can use them to your advantage as long as you understand how they work.
