Credit cards are a great convenience and also a way for people to keep their money earning interest in their accounts longer. There is basic knowledge that you need to have before getting a credit card, or you may find yourself in debt. Carefully look through this article for advice about credit cards.

Only inquire in regards to opening retail cards if you seriously shop at that store regularly. When you apply for store charge card, an inquiry is noted on your credit bureau report whether you are approved or not. Racking up a list of inquiries from several different retail stores can cause your credit score to drop.

The reason credit card companies have minimum payments is because this is the amount they would like you to pay so they get the most money out of you over a longer period of time. Always pay as much as possible in excess of the minimum payment. This will help you to avoid high interest rates, and it will also help you take years off of the payment structure.

Only if you regularly shop at a certain store should you think about applying for a store credit card. Each time a retail store inquires about your credit report, it gets recorded, regardless of whether you actually take the card. Too many inquiries can make your credit score go down.

Credit Card

Always pay your credit card on time. Not making your credit card payment by the date it is due can result in high charges being applied. Not only that, many companies will make your interest rate higher, and that means that everything you buy from that point on will cost more in the long run.

Avoid the urge to lend a credit card to someone. Even though a good friend might have a need, it is never a good decision to lend it to anyone. You might have over the limit charges if more is charged by your friend than you authorized .

The reason companies have low minimum payments is so they can charge you interest on everything on top of that. Every dollar over your minimum payment goes to pay off your balance, so always pay a higher amount than the credit card company asks you to pay. This helps you pay much less interest in the long run.

Always know who you are dealing with and make sure they are legitimate companies when you give out your credit card information online. Check the site for a physical address of the business, and call any phone numbers listed to determine if they are actually working.

When used wisely, bank cards are extremely effective tools. The basic tips provided in this article should have given you enough information, so that you can use your credit card to purchase items, while still maintaining a good credit score and staying free of debt.