| No modern man should be caught dead without a | | | | Ordinarily, when you go shopping for a new pair of |
| credit card, but credit card holders beware. There are | | | | shoes, you look for style, comfort, and affordability. It is |
| more disadvantages to owning that strip of plastic than | | | | the same with credit cards. You have the option to |
| living without it because once you've missed a credit | | | | choose a credit card that is suited to your needs. |
| card payment, you're done in. Here's how to avoid the | | | | Take the time to compare credit card offers. Watch |
| trap of getting the reverse Midas touch. | | | | out for those low or teaser interest rates during the |
| Pay Or Borrow As You Go? | | | | honeymoon period before the axe falls. For teaser |
| The lure of credit cards is irresistible. You have the | | | | rates, it takes about six months before reality sets in. |
| purchasing power in sticky situations - paying an | | | | Also, compare the annual rates that may eat any |
| emergency bill or renting a car. You can have your | | | | savings you could have otherwise enjoyed from the |
| card swiped anywhere and anytime. Credit card | | | | low rates at the start. |
| holders also have the edge of making purchases with | | | | Seasoned credit card holders know that there are |
| companies that only accept credit card payments. | | | | cards that have the same rates, but one will have no |
| With a credit card, you can go anywhere in the globe | | | | annual fee. So fine-tune your search for a credit card |
| and have dinner or cocktails in a ritzy resto-bar without | | | | that will not charge you steep fines and surprise you |
| having to worry about paying in exact denomination. | | | | with hidden fees. |
| But this privilege is not without responsibilities. | | | | To enjoy the privileges offered to credit card holders, |
| Credit card holders should be aware that their credit | | | | pay your dues on time, and eventually, you can |
| cards should not create debt, but pave the way for | | | | request to lower your Annual Percentage Rate or |
| them to have good credit. If you are mulling the idea of | | | | APR, enjoy the rewards, and other deals that may |
| getting multiple credit cards, think twice before | | | | crop up. Find out, too, if the credit card company |
| submitting yourself to a life of delayed payment fees, | | | | charges a variable or fixed rate. |
| surcharges, and transaction fees for the singular | | | | If You Are Not Careful |
| irresponsible act of paying your credit card purchases | | | | Here's the scenario if you take your credit cards lightly. |
| late. | | | | You'll be overwhelmed with the interest rates that'll be |
| Late payments automatically accrue interest that | | | | the stuff of your nightmares. Consider this - the credit |
| creates insurmountable debt and bang goes your | | | | card companies can change the rules anytime they |
| credit worthiness. When it comes to credit cards, it's a | | | | feel the urge. They can just raise your interest rate |
| matter of self-restraint and responsibility because not | | | | any time you are late in paying your bills. The credit |
| everybody can manage their credit card debts well. | | | | card companies charges punitive interest as much as |
| Others fare better in pay as you go, rather than swipe | | | | 30% for $100 you have neglected to pay. |
| their credit cards anytime they please. | | | | Before you get a credit card, know how credit card |
| Choose a Credit Card Wisely | | | | holders cope with identity theft or stolen credit cards. |