What Rules Should You Follow When Using a Credit Card?

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There are over 365 million active credit card accounts, and the average US household has $5,300 in credit card debt. Credit card debt isn't necessarily bad - even any type of debt should be managed carefully - there are several pros to having money on a credit card.

The amount of money a lender is willing to give you - otherwise known as a credit limit - will depend on your credit score. Your credit score is something you build up over time as you begin to take out credit, which is one of the reasons why a credit card is a good investment.

That soon changes if you don't follow the rules of owning a credit card. Below, we'll explore what rules you need to follow when using a credit card.

Rule #1: Pick The Right Card For Your Needs

There isn't a one size fits all credit card. There are different types of credit cards and offers available to people with the right credit score. For example, you can have a credit builder credit card, balance transfer cards, or low-interest cards.

Which card you select will depend on your needs. If you want a credit card to have some fallback money to rely on, a low-interest card or even a credit builder card would be wise. 

People with a poor credit score and looking to improve it should also look for a credit builder card. Chances are, someone with poor credit wouldn't get accepted for any other card.

Rule #2: Don't Miss Your Payments

Missing payments is a big no-go when bearing the responsibility of having and using a credit card. Missing your payments can result in detrimental damage to your credit score. 

To classify as a late or missed payment in the US, it has to be 30 days after the due date, which differs from countries like the UK, France, and Spain. In the UK, a late payment is recorded as soon as the day after someone misses a payment.

In the US, however, people have 30 days to try and find the money to pay the fee. The minimum payment is calculated based on the amount of money you've spent on the card and your annual interest rates - it's the minimum amount you must pay each month to avoid fees. 

If you're struggling to meet the minimum payment because you have multiple ones due at once, its easy to consolidate your credit card debt and bring everything into one payment. Follow the link for more advice.

Rule #3: Don't Exceed Your Credit Card Limit

Exceeding your credit card limit is a no-go if you want to keep your credit score looking healthy. Your credit card limit is given to you based on the amount companies think is safe to lend you. 

The first thing that's likely to happen if you exceed your credit card limit but pay it back straight away is a fee. A credit card balance in arrears for a prolonged period could lead to increased interest rates and or even rejection from future credit card applications.

The most common cause of an exceeded credit limit is failing to pay the minimum payment, which results in late payment fees, and then interest rates taking money from the account that isn't there. 

People that have reached their credit limit should take care to ensure there is enough money there to cover the monthly interest rate charges and the minimum payment.

Rule #4: Keep Your Credit Utilization Rate Low

Your credit utilization ratio is simply the amount of credit you're using. For example, if you have three different credit cards and two store cards equal to $10,000, and you've spent $1,000 across them all, you're only utilizing 10% of the available credit. As a general rule, lenders like people to use 50% or less of their available credit.

Credit scoring models favor people with a low credit utilization rate because they think they're doing an excellent job at not overspending and have better money management skills than someone close to or has exceeded their credit utilization. 

The lower your credit utilization and the higher your credit score, the more likely you'll be accepted for loans and credit cards with lower interest rates, and the more lenders will be willing to give you.

Rule #5: Only Spend What You Can Afford

A simple and conclusive rule - only spend what you can afford. Just because a credit card company gives you a specific amount; doesn't mean you need to splurge it. Any expert will advise that credit cards should either be for building credit by carefully spending small amounts and paying them off or as a last resort if money is short. 

The less you use, the less you'll pay in interest, and the smaller the minimum payments will be. Be wise with your spending and only spend what you can afford to pay back.

Credit cards are a lifeline. They're also not to be underestimated by not following the credit card rules. Careful spending and repayment are essential, as is understanding how credit cards work and the specific terms and conditions of your credit card agreement. 

How you use your credit cards will influence your credit score, and your credit score determines purchases like houses, cell phones, and cars.

Debt Solutions: How to Get Your Struggling Finances Under Control

If you are struggling with finances, it can be difficult to get them under control and get a handle on your debt, but there are ways to do so that don't take a lot of effort.

Set a budget

Budgeting is important especially now in days. Having a budget allows you to have better control over your personal finances in terms of how you save, invest and how you spend your money. One reason your finances may be out of control is that you aren't keeping track of how much money you are spending. 

If this is the case, you need to set a budget. Do a monthly accounting of all your must-haves, such as car insurance, food, rent and utilities. Once you have done that, decide how much you have left over. If you are spending more than you are taking in, make cuts where you can.

Look for ways to save

Discretionary income should be the first place to cut if you are spending too much. Eat out less and go to fewer movies and concerts, for example. There may be other ways to save, too. For example, if you aren't bundling services, such as phone, cable TV and Internet, you are probably missing out on discounts. You might also be able to save on those services by not paying for more than you need. You may find you don't need unlimited data and texting on your wireless phone or unlimited movie channels through your cable service.

Use credit sparingly

You need to have good credit, but credit cards often make unnecessary purchases more tempting. Many people think that they can buy something now and pay it off later when they have more funds. The problem with that sentiment is, is that kind of mentality becomes a habit. It becomes a bad habit to the point where you find yourself in credit card debt because you’re spending too much now and paying it off later and not having enough money to do so. If you are using your credit card like free money, you are headed for trouble. 

Credit cards should only be for emergencies or for things you can pay back right away. If you are using your credit cards to live beyond your needs, you need to stop right away. Also, if you have too many credit cards, you might want to consider closing some of those accounts and limiting yourself to one and maybe two credit cards if necessary. Keep in mind that you do need credit. There might come a time where you need to take out a loan to buy something such as a house, but you need good credit, which is why you should only use your credit cards sparingly to make sure it doesn’t get out of control.

Consolidate debt

If you are carrying credit card balances, you likely are paying high interest rates. To get better control of this debt, you should consolidate the balances onto cards with lower rates. If you do so and concentrate on paying down the balances, you can slowly eliminate your debt and take better control of your finances.

Take advantage of sources of cash

If you are getting payments through a structured settlement, lottery winnings or other financial vehicle, you can work with a company like myLumpsum.com to sell your future payments and get a lump sum payment, which you then can use to pay down debt faster.

With a little planning and effort, you can get your spending under control, which will then allow you to pay off debt and no longer have to struggle with your finances.