Some tips to use your credit card wisely.

Everyone likes to carry a credit card to be hassle free and cashless transactions. But there are some precautions required before using the credit card to avoid elevated bills. Using your credit card smartly can benefit you greatly. There are a few occasions when using your credit card is advisable and then there are occasions when using the credit card might not be such a good idea. So what are those times when you should swipe your card and when you should not? Let us try to find it.

WHEN TO SWIPE THE CREDIT CARD

When Purchasing an Expensive Item – Though it may sound contrary to what you may believe, making a big ticket purchase could actually be a good idea. Credit card companies offer fraud protection when the card is used to make a big ticket purchase. This may come in handy if the customer wants to dispute the charge in case of an error or the customer wants to return the item especially in case of a defect. By purchasing the item through the card, you are assured of being able to track the sale easily in future if required and you may get extended warranty also on some occasions in case of electronic items.

Travel or Refuelling in Case of Co-Branded Cards – In case you have a co-branded card or a special card that offers some benefits like discounts, no surcharge or extra benefits when used for specific purposes, then make sure you use that card when making a transaction at that specific outlet. Make sure to check what are the terms and conditions and use the card accordingly. The same applies to booking tickets or hotels especially through online portals. Using these card get you not only some privileges but also help in accumulating reward points. Sometimes additional discount may be offered by retailers if a particular brand card is used.

Shopping Online – In case of online shopping if you use your debit card then the amount is debited from your account immediately and you have no protection in case of a fraud. Since credit card transactions are processed in batches you have sufficient time to dispute the charges. Apart from this credit card companies offer fraud protection with zero liability and they keep a lookout for fraudulent transactions.

WHEN NOT TO USE YOUR CREDIT CARD?

If you have a credit card in your wallet it does not mean that you whip it out and use it on every occasion. Do not forget to use the traditional cash option and the debit card once in a while.

In case of Emergency Cash Requirement – if due to some reason there is a requirement of cash then using a credit card should be ideally avoided. Withdrawing cash using a credit card is very expensive; most credit card issuers charge exorbitant fees on cash withdrawals made using the credit card and you have to pay a transaction charge too! The transaction charge is usually around 2.5 per cent of the cash withdrawal and the interest charged by the credit card company could range from 24 per cent to 48 per cent depending on the credit card issuer’s policies. It is better to use a debit card, or pay through cheque.

When Cash Gets You a Better Deal – Sometimes paying cash is better because the seller may be offering a discount on a cash transaction or there may be times when the seller may charge extra for swiping your credit card. In such situations, it’s better to use cash if available or a cheque.

Other Occasions

• At foreign locations since sometimes using a credit card may involve a transaction charge. Check with your credit card company before travelling.
• At fairs and flea markets as these shops are temporary and in case of a dispute it will be difficult to track them. In such places benefits of using a credit card outweigh the potential dangers.
• Recurring Billing: This could prove to be headache if the biller continues to bill you even after you end your membership or subscription.

Credit card is a good tool to use and has several benefits provided it is used wisely else this tool can damage your financial planning resulting heavy debts and fluctuating credit ratings. Use it wisely and consider above circumstances before swiping or making online transaction.