Maintaining a good credit history establishes a base for strong credit score in the future. You can avail best opportunities in terms of lower interest rates, cash rewards, softer terms and conditions if you are having a good credit score. While, on the other hand, a poor credit score limits the scope of opportunities you will get in future.
Keeping up a good credit score from the start is very important to gain benefits in the future. But how to manage your student credit card efficiently so that it can pay off in the future?
The first and foremost thing to keep in mind is to select a card that best fits your needs. You may find many attractive offers but, if you do a little extra digging, these might not be for you as they do not match your needs and limitations. You have to select a card that you can afford to pay in the future. Many premium cards come with perks but you may not afford them. Review credit cards articles; find out the card that you can pay for in future.
Annual fee is among the fees you can face while applying for a credit card. Go for the one that charges zero annual fees as it will just be adding an extra amount to your total costs. Similarly, many student cards offer rewards, cash discounts and rebates. Search for these cards and get benefit from them. But it is important to understand how these rewards work. You should know when and how you can avail these features. Discounts and rewards usually have expiration dates. It is essential to know when they will be of no more use.
Take caution not to use your credit card for unnecessary purchases. You might not be able to pay for them. It will just affect your credit score. You should check your credit score regularly so that if your score is fluctuating you can take necessary steps to stabilize it.
Always make your monthly payments in time. If you delay the payments, you are not only lowering your score but also accruing interest. The right way to use a credit card is to remain within 70% of your credit limit, spend only on necessary things and making full payments within the grace period. If you carry your balance to next months, you will have to pay the interest that is just going to increase your cost.
Select a card that offers lowest ARP. Taking these basic steps is only going to help you to minimize your expenses. Small fees like these will only pile up your costs. You can review credit cards articles to better understand how these things work.
Understand the terms and conditions well. If you do not give attention to them, you will make small mistakes and the ultimate result is the increase in costs.
Secured credit cards are good to start from. They offer basic features and credit limit is small. But this small limit will prevent you from extra shopping and you can maintain a good score. They are reported to credit bureaus and facilitate you in the credit score.