Credit Card Shyness

You may have hesitation around opening and using a credit card, and that is completely justifiable – it can be seen as a gateway to spiraling debt, and for some, that’s enough to justify reaching for a debit card or for cash instead.

Being debt-conscious isn’t inherently bad – in fact, being able to see beyond the convenience of credit cards to their potential pitfalls is a responsible perspective to have. Credit card transactions are essentially mini-loans that can lead to serious debt when used carelessly, but avoiding them altogether is also problematic, as an aversion to credit cards can negatively impact future financial and lifestyle decisions.

The Consequence of Being Credit Card Shy

Credit card use plays a huge role in contributing to your credit history, which is an important part of your financial footprint. Avoiding credit cards won’t actively damage your credit rating, but it can hold you back from achieving the types of credit scores needed for:

• Borrowing funds for major purchases, such as vehicles or homes
• Securing a loan for a small business or a future entrepreneurial venture
• Employment or renting, as some may check your credit as part of the application process

While it’s possible to build your credit score with other borrowing products such as student loans or personal lines of credit, credit cards are the easiest way to boost your credit score because of their accessibility. When used responsibly, credit cards can build a positive credit history with little or no cost to you.

Using Credit Cards Responsibly

The only way to sidestep any and all credit card-related fears is to follow these strategies:

• DO pay your credit card balances in full and on time:
  • so you do not carry a balance, therefore cannot be charged interest
  • to protect yourself from being charged late fees and other penalties
  • to keep the cost of having a credit card down (depending on the issuer and the type of card, you may only have an annual fee for your card)
  • for worry-free enjoyment of your card’s perks and rewards
• DO only use it to pay bills and make purchases that you know you can afford with the funds currently in your accounts
• DON’T treat it as additional available income
• DON’T use it to fill the gaps when your paycheck isn’t quite covering everything

Your Guide to Paying in Full and On Time

Paying in full and on time is a simple rule to remember, but there are a couple of things you need to be aware of in order to follow it successfully. Use the following questions as a guide to using your credit card with confidence.

1. Do you currently have credit card debt?
   If the answer is no, carry on to the next question! If the answer is yes, you must develop a debt repayment strategy right away. If you need help coming up with a plan, reach out to your credit union for available resources.
2. Do you know when your billing cycle opens and closes?
   It’s important that you understand the billing cycle for each credit card you own. It’s easy to assume that billing cycles are monthly, but in fact they vary depending on the card issuer and can range between 20 and 45 days. Your credit card statement will disclose when your billing cycle opens and closes—take a minute to look at your last few statements and determine where your billing cycle starts and ends.
   • Does it start on the first day of each month?
   • Does it start mid-month?
   • Does it close on the same date each month, or does it vary?
3. Do you know your personal payment due date?
   Your credit card statement will clearly list your payment due date, but in order to dodge any late fees, you also need to allow time for your payment to process. For each credit card that you use, figure out what your personal payment due date is—that is, the day by which you must pay your bill in order for your funds to transfer in time. It’s a good idea to leave a buffer of a week or more before the due date printed on your statement.
4. Do you have an emergency fund?
   When an emergency expense suddenly pops up, it’s easy to reach for your credit card in response. A large emergency expense can prevent you from paying your balance in full and on time and derail your good credit habits. The best defense is to have savings set aside to minimize your reliance on your credit card. The regular recommendation is six months’ worth of expenses, but if you’re just starting out, you can set smaller milestone goals.
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   A little bit of knowledge and self-discipline is all it takes to successfully use the “pay it in full and on time” strategy. This approach allows you to fully enjoy the convenience and rewards of your credit card while contributing to a positive credit history that will serve you well when it comes time to make a large purchase. There’s no need to be shy when using your credit card responsibly.

Brought to you by It’s a Money Thing