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Is Your Credit Card Your Friend Or Foe?

By Max Vogt
May 25, 2009
Having several credit cards allows one to buy products and services at will. Is it right or wrong?

There are many companies offering credit cards and loans online, but all may not fit everyone's needs. A credit card is a significant financial tool that needs to be used wisely and cautiously. Do not cross your credit cards limits so much that you can only afford to pay the minimum payment amount or small amounts each month towards the reduction of your debt. That is the interest rate trap. Once your cornered on paying minimum amounts, you will most likely be stuck there for years if not for a lifetime.

However, having credit cards can be a positive, productive personal finance tool and does not have to be a negative to your credit status or your lifestyle. A few key points:

- Convenient to use and carry.
- Offers valuable customer protections.
- Use it with care and good judgment.
- To eliminate the interest charges, you should pay your monthly bill fully each month.

Having credit cards is a privileged and huge personal responsibility. You must utilize and manage your credit rating wisely and carefully at all times. The saying that if you can not afford to pay cash, then you can not afford credit card is quite true and we should take care of this warning. Using credit cards in responsible manner makes them your friend and not your foe. Having credit cards in your name is not bad just take care not to go into debt for more than can repay. Crossing your credit limits will only damage your credit rating and it will create larger credit problems for yourself into the future that may be difficult to handle.

Before buying a new credit card if you check other companies offer too may be you can save some money and get a good deal. Make sure that all the expenses and conditions related to credit card offer are under your knowledge. These can make a real difference in how much in fees and interest charges you will possibly be paying each month. Make sure that you have compared these costs with any of your existing financial instruments, loans, cards, mortgages, etc. You may be able to replace some of your current liabilities with less expensive options. Some of the expenses and terms to consider are the annual percentage rate (APR) for products and services as well as for any cash advances you may request, the annual fee, and the grace period. Do not forget to compare your other fees, late-payment charges, and over-the-limit spending fees.
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