Archives For credit cards

When should you close a credit card?

Corey —  October 15, 2012

Credit cards can be a good thing, or they can be very bad for a person. If you’re looking to build your credit score, then you probably look forward to doing well with your credit card.  However, if you find that you have many spending temptations, then credit cards are probably not the best thing in your life.

I personally have 3 credit cards. I pay them off every month (I’ve never carried a balance) and I use them mainly for credit card rewards. I earn a decent amount and right now I have around $200 in credit card reward points saved up for Christmas presents that I plan on buying.

Most of my friends have no credit cards. When I tell them that I have 3, they usually think I’m crazy and that I must be in major debt. There is a correct way to use a credit card! Anyways, how do you know whether you should have any credit cards though? Maybe you should even close one?

A lot of people have credit cards for many different reasons. The cash flow from month to month is nice to have, the credit card rewards can add up nicely, and you can build your credit. However, many people are scared to close their credit card because they are afraid that they will destroy their credit score.

Your credit score is important in certain situations, but if you don’t know how to properly manage your credit card or credit cards, then closing them might be a better idea for the moment for you.

Reasons why you might want to close your credit card:

1. You can’t control yourself.

Do you see your credit card as free money? The other day my friend told me how she only had a $400 limit on her credit card, BUT that she could still go out to eat because she still had around $50 left to use on it. This makes no sense of me! She also said that she’s only been paying the minimum payment since she’s gotten it because she thought that was helping her credit score.

If you see yourself going to mall just because you have credit left on your card to use, then credit cards may not be good for you. Credit on your credit card is not something that you should just be spending and racking up just because it is there and available for you.

2. You don’t want to rely on credit.

One of my friends pays for everything with cash and refuses to have credit cards. While I wish I could say that this is the way that I live, some people actually DO (of course) pay for everything with cash so that they aren’t forced to rely on money that they don’t actually have.

Be Careful.

There are things to keep in mind if you do decide to close your credit cards. The effect of closing a credit card on your credit score can vary greatly. It all depends on your credit score now, how long you’ve had the specific card and your credit limits.

Maybe just hiding your card from yourself is a better idea, so that you can keep that long standing card that you’ve had. Freezing your credit card (such as putting it in ice in your freezer) may not be a good idea because the credit card company may close your account because of inactivity.

Also, if you close an account that had a high limit, this can affect your utilization ratio. If your ratio becomes too high, then this will negatively affect your credit.

Have you ever closed a credit card? Why?

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Key points to consider when choosing a credit card

Corey —  August 13, 2012

Choosing the most adequate credit card for your needs has never been an easy task, given the large number of options available and the difficulty understanding the exact terms and conditions of each product. In the current climate of economic uncertainty, making the right decision is more important than ever, so as to avoid getting into further financial difficulties.

To help consumers with that decision, we have listed the four main points to consider when choosing a credit card.

1- Consider your spending habits

This is a basic element to consider, as overlooking this point could result in being stuck with the wrong credit card. It is essential to have a clear idea of the amount of money that you will be charging to your credit card every month. Determining this point will prevent you from choosing a credit card that has the right level of spending limits.

2- Take into account your previous credit history

Having a less-than-perfect credit history does not mean you cannot have access to a credit card. In fact, there are cards specifically designed for consumers in these circumstances. If this is your case, choose a credit card with the lowest standard interest rate possible (although APR rates in these particular cards tend to stand at 30 – 40 per cent), or go for a “bottom-up card”, which allows you to gradually increase your credit limit.

Alternatively, consumers who already have an existing debt may benefit from 0 per cent credit card deals, which allow them to transfer balances from other cards at no extra cost.

3- Low APR rates are not always the best deal

Some consumers are attracted by cards that advertise a low standard interest rate. However, and depending on your individual situation, these cards may not be the best option. Consumers who are able to pay their balance in full every month will not benefit from low APR rates and should not choose a credit card solely on that basis. Additionally, beware of the expression “typical APR rates”, as this means that rates can be modified (and increased) depending on your particular circumstances.

4- What if you can’t pay?

Due to unexpected events, there is a possibility that you might be late paying your monthly balance or that you exceed your credit limit. Credit card providers charge a fee in these cases, so it is important to go for the provider with the lowest fees. Also, ensure that the advertised APR rate will not increase in the event of late payment.

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