Credit cards are an essential part of our financial lives, but they are notorious for their high fees, hidden charges, and other tricks that credit card issuers use to milk us for every last cent. The good news is that there are some things you can do to maximize the rewards of your rewards credit card while minimizing the expenses when you are a student. This is after seeking out the best student credit card Canada deal possible.
Despite all the rules in place to protect you from taking on too much debt, sometimes credit cards just aren’t enough. Credit cards can be a great way to save money at the supermarket or make a payment on a monthly bill, but they can also be a trap if you use them too often, too soon.
Without further ado, here are five ways to make your credit card work for you.
- Pay your bill
Paying your bill in full every month is a good habit to get into, not only to save you money but also to help build a positive credit score, which will make it easier to get approved for loans and mortgages down the road. For those who use credit cards, starting a habit of paying your bill in full every month will make it easier to make purchases with your card, and it will make your credit history look better, which means you’ll be able to get a lower interest rate on your loan or mortgage.
- You should know your limit
Credit cards can be a huge benefit to some people, especially people who carry a lot of debt. If you’re not getting the most out of your credit card, however, there’s a lot you can do about it. You might not be able to use your card for transactions that you don’t like, you might get charged for things you don’t need, and even if you get better rewards than you would get from cash spending, it can be a pain to track and manage your spending.
- Use your card for those purchases that are big
In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the magic of credit card rewards, to the point where you forget to keep a handle on your spending habits. You have a card that provides a flat 1% cash back rate, and you think to yourself that it’s a good idea to put a little aside for a vacation to Europe. What happens, though, if you’re traveling for a short period and only need a little cash back, and your card isn’t reimbursing you enough to cover the trip? Sure, you could apply for a cash back option with a credit card, but those tend to be higher-fee cards, and you’ll still be leaving money on the table. There are several reasons why you might be thinking about doing away with plastic. You are always losing your wallet, it’s not good for the environment, you feel uncomfortable handing someone your card, or you are having issues with your balance due to your card being declined. There are plenty of other reasons too, but here are five you might not have considered.
- Check rewards
Why not take advantage of all the rewards your credit card can offer? For one thing, you may not realize just how good the rewards program is. If you’re not using your card to buy things you normally buy with cash, and you’re not paying off your balance in full each month, you’re missing out on the perks that come with a rewards credit card.
We all know that credit cards are one of the most powerful tools available in the world of finance, with the ability to make a world of difference when it comes to spending money. If you are thinking about applying for a credit card, then you might be asking yourself some questions like, “When can I expect to receive my credit card?” or “Will I be approved for the card that I want?”.
Nothing will ruin your budget faster than credit card debt. If you have outstanding credit card bills, it is only a matter of time before your finances take a turn for the worse. You can fight back by making your credit card work for you, not against you. By checking your credit card balances regularly, paying off your balances in full each month, and using your credit card responsibly, you can avoid adding to your debt. Being a student does not have to be about debt.