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Think before you charge

Follow best practices when using a credit card

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Learn about how your card works, pitfalls to avoid and how you can protect your credit history when you spend with plastic.

Key Takeaways:

  • Credit cards are convenient and can help you build good credit if you use them responsibly.
  • Make sure you understand your card’s key terms, including its interest rate, fees and policies.
  • Credit card rewards programs may offer cash back, points or miles. Some cards also offer perks, such as concierge service or travel insurance.
  • If you can’t pay off your credit card balance in full each month, try to at least make the minimum payment.
  • Keeping your balance below 30%* of your credit limit and avoiding applying for new cards unnecessarily could help your credit score.

* “What is a Credit Utilization Rate?,“ Experian Information Solutions, Inc. www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/credit-education/score-basics/credit-utilization-rate/.

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