Charge cards allow consumers to make purchases even when they are not immediately prepared to pay for those purchases. However, you need to know the basics of wise credit card usage so that you do not end up buried in debt. Read on for great credit card tips.

Never use your credit card to buy something that is not in your budget. While it is fine to use them for items you may afford later, you should avoid using credit to purchase big ticket items that you are going to run into problems paying for.

Only if you regularly shop at a certain store should you think about applying for a store credit card. When stores submit an inquiry into your credit history for a card, this gets reported on your credit report whether or not you ultimately get the card. Repeated applications for credit could negatively affect your overall credit score.

Always track all purchases you make on any credit cards. It can be easy to spend more on your credit card than you intended, so make the decision to keep a total on a spreadsheet or in a written record.

To preserve a high credit score, pay all bills before the due date. Late payments involve fees and damage your credit. One of the best ways to save you both time and money is to set up automatic payments.

If your mailbox is not secure, do not get a credit card by mail. Many people that steal charge cards have admitted that they have stolen cards that were delivered and placed in mailboxes that did not have a lock on them.

Before using a credit card to buy something online, be sure that the seller you’re buying from is legitimate. If there is a telephone number on the site, call the number to be sure it is legitimate. You should avoid any merchant that doesn’t list an actual physical address. That is a big red flag.

Keep a list of phone numbers for your credit card companies and your own account numbers in a safe location. Keep your list in a safe place that is separate from your cards. The list is useful as a way to quickly contact lenders in case of a lost or stolen card.

Credit card use is a lifesaver sometimes, but only when used wisely. Keeping yourself as debt free as possible and upholding a solid credit score is possible when you apply the tips from this article. When you accomplish this, your cards stay available to make purchases when you need to make them.

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