How to Use Credit Card: Essential Tips and Strategies (2024)

Use your credit card at a physical store or online

When buying a product at a physical store, you can use your credit card by swiping or tapping it on the card machine at the billing counter. When shopping online, using your credit card will require you to fill in information like:

  • Your card number
  • The expiration date
  • Card CVV, which is usually printed on the back of the card

Here are some ways to use credit cards smartly and make the most of the benefits.

Credit card usage tips

  • Make the most of the grace period
    A credit card grace period constitutes the billing period of 30 days along with an additional 15-20 day window between the statement generation date and the payment due date. This means that the total interest-free period can extend up to 50 days. This helps cardholders make high-ticket purchases when the billing period commences taking advantage of the full grace period.
  • Use the right card for the right purchase
    If you have multiple credit cards, make sure you use the right one based on your needs. For example, use a fuel credit card if you spend a considerable portion of your income purchasing fuel. You can earn reward points, apart from getting a fuel surcharge waiver. Use your travel credit card to book flight tickets, hotels, and more.
  • Opt for a personal loan during emergencies
    Credit cards like the Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank SuperCard enable you to convert your unutilised credit limit into an emergency personal loan at a nominal interest rate. This helps you meet urgent needs with ease.
  • Convert your purchases into EMIs
    One of the exceptional uses of a credit card is that you can convert your purchases into EMIs and repay them at your convenience.
  • Shop online to earn the most reward points
    Credit cards usually give you 2x reward points when you shop online.

  • Redeem your reward points
    You can redeem your reward points to get discounts on flight tickets, hotel bookings, and more. These points can also get you exclusive shopping vouchers, recharge vouchers and even cashback. Accumulated reward points can even be used to make down payments on big-ticket purchases.

These simple tips on how to use credit cards can help you get the maximum benefits out of your credit card. But always remember to pay the total amount due on your card within the grace period to avoid incurring additional interest charges on the outstanding dues. Doing so will also improve your credit score significantly.

Conclusion

Correct and responsible use of credit cards can be advantageous, but irresponsible use can pose a risk to your financial standing. It is important to consider some fundamental principles while using credit cards, such as spending only what is affordable, settling bills promptly, and paying the entire balance each month. Above all, it is important to choose a credit card that works for you, as what may suit your family or friends might differ from what is best for you.

How to Use Credit Card: Essential Tips and Strategies (2024)

FAQs

How do I strategically use my credit card? ›

6 Credit card tips for smart users
  1. Pay off your balance every month. ...
  2. Use the card for needs, not wants. ...
  3. Never skip a payment. ...
  4. Use the credit card as a budgeting tool. ...
  5. Use a rewards card. ...
  6. Stay under 30% of your total credit limit.

How can we use credit card effectively? ›

8 Tips on How to Use a Credit Card Wisely
  1. Know your credit limit. ...
  2. Keep track of your credit report. ...
  3. Choose a rewarding credit card. ...
  4. Time your purchases. ...
  5. Pay your credit card bill on time. ...
  6. Read the terms and conditions thoroughly. ...
  7. Never exhaust your credit limit. ...
  8. Use your card at trusted merchants.

What are at least 3 ways you should use a credit card to maximize your credit score? ›

5 steps to build credit with a credit card
  • Pay on time, every time (35% of your FICO score)
  • Keep your utilization low (30% of your FICO score)
  • Limit new credit applications (15% of your FICO score)
  • Use your card regularly.
  • Increase your credit limit.
May 21, 2024

What are four tips for using credit wisely? ›

10 tips for responsible credit card usage
  • Read your card agreement and know your terms. ...
  • Be aware of potential fees. ...
  • Make payments on time. ...
  • Pay more than the minimum. ...
  • Stay below your credit limit. ...
  • Check your monthly statements carefully for accuracy. ...
  • Report a lost or stolen card immediately. ...
  • Simplify payments.

What is the golden rule of credit card use? ›

Pay Off Your Balance

The golden rule of credit card usage is to do everything you can to pay off your entire balance each month.

What is the number 1 rule of using credit cards? ›

Pay your balance every month

Paying the balance in full has great benefits. If you wait to pay the balance or only make the minimum payment it accrues interest. If you let this continue it can potentially get out of hand and lead to debt. Missing a payment can not only accrue interest but hurt your credit score.

What is the smart way to use a credit card? ›

6 Smart Ways to Use a Credit Card
  1. Understand How Interest Works. ...
  2. Use Your Credit Card to Build Credit. ...
  3. Earn Cashback Rewards on Your Purchases. ...
  4. Use Your Credit Card for Fraud Protection. ...
  5. Keep Your Available Balance for Emergencies. ...
  6. Use a Low-Interest Card to Pay Down High-Interest Debt.

What is the main rule for using credit cards wisely? ›

Use credit wisely - follow the 20/10 rule

Never borrow more than 20% of your annual after-tax income. Keep your monthly debt payments to less than 10% of your monthly after-tax income. Keep track of your purchases and don't buy expensive and unnecessary impulse items.

What are three positive ways to manage your credit card use? ›

Here are some positive habits that you should focus on developing when managing credit:
  • Borrow only what you need! ...
  • Pay your credit card bills in full every month. ...
  • Don't ignore your service agreements. ...
  • Build a budget. ...
  • Use no more than 30% of your available credit limit.

How can you make using a credit card easier to manage? ›

10 tips for effective credit card management
  1. Prioritize paying on time.
  2. Try to pay more than the minimum each month.
  3. Create a budget and stick to it.
  4. Review your credit card statement.
  5. Develop good spending habits.
  6. Review your credit report.
  7. Maintain a low credit utilization ratio.
  8. Use cash back or rewards.

What are three or four things you can do to build good credit? ›

There is no secret formula to building a strong credit score, but there are some guidelines that can help.
  • Pay your loans on time, every time. ...
  • Don't get close to your credit limit. ...
  • A long credit history will help your score. ...
  • Only apply for credit that you need. ...
  • Fact-check your credit reports.
Sep 1, 2020

How should beginners use credit cards? ›

Credit card tips for beginners
  1. Autopay. Most credit cards offer an autopay feature. ...
  2. Watch your credit card utilization. Credit card utilization is another important factor of your credit score. ...
  3. Don't overspend. ...
  4. Stay on top of special offers. ...
  5. Think about rewards.

What are credit card tips? ›

When you tip with a credit card, you write the amount you wish to tip on your receipt, then sign the receipt to confirm the total amount (tip + bill) to be charged to your card. Unlike cash tips, credit card tips are processed and paid out to the service provider at a later date.

What are 4 C's of credit? ›

Character, capital, capacity, and collateral – purpose isn't tied entirely to any one of the four Cs of credit worthiness. If your business is lacking in one of the Cs, it doesn't mean it has a weak purpose, and vice versa.

What is the smartest way to use a credit card to build credit? ›

To improve your credit score using a credit card, make on-time payments, pay off your balance in full each month if possible, keep your card utilization under 30%, avoid applying for too many cards in a short period and don't close accounts that cost nothing to keep open.

Should I pay off my credit card in full or leave a small balance? ›

Bottom line. If you have a credit card balance, it's typically best to pay it off in full if you can. Carrying a balance can lead to expensive interest charges and growing debt.

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