| Credit is good, but only when it is absolutely necessary. | | | | when you feel you actually need to use it in an |
| An irresponsibly used credit card is a sure shot way of | | | | emergency. |
| getting yourself into a debt trap that is nearly | | | | Do Not Give Out Your Security Information to Anyone |
| impossible to get yourself out of with out the help of a | | | | Your security information is kept secret for a reason. |
| debt professional. So, for those who feel that they | | | | Do not give this information to anyone. Not even to |
| have been adorned with the privilege of being trusted | | | | your best friend or credit card representative. This |
| with a credit card, this could be a wake up call to stay | | | | information includes date of birth, PIN and security |
| out of debt. | | | | questions. |
| Use Your Credit Card for Emergencies | | | | Verify a Merchant Bill |
| Make it a rule to use your credit card only for | | | | Verify that the merchant outlet you have swiped your |
| emergencies. You never know when you will need the | | | | card at has only swiped the card once. Else you will |
| credit facility your card offers you. Though the card | | | | be billed twice for the same transaction and will be a |
| facilitates you to buy something you would not | | | | hassle to undo. |
| normally be able to buy with cash, you should try to | | | | Never Give Out Your CVV Code to Anyone |
| pay some amount of the bill through cash and the rest | | | | Without your CVV code (the 3 digit number behind |
| through your credit card. This will make it easier for | | | | your card) you cannot make any online transactions. |
| you to repay the bill when it comes. | | | | Your card number combined with this CVV number |
| Don't Use Your Entire Credit Limit | | | | can be misused by any one who knows both. So |
| Your credit card may offer you a limit that is ten times | | | | when using your card at any outlet, ensure the |
| your monthly salary. This is a temptation of getting into | | | | attendant is not recording the CVV behind your card. |
| a debt trap where you will be repaying the interest | | | | Never Leave Your Card Unattended |
| most of the time. Try to use only 10 percent of the | | | | Many credit cards are stolen from vehicles. SO never |
| credit limit of the card. Do not over spend unless you | | | | leave your card anywhere out of sight including at |
| are sure you can spare the cash from your next | | | | your work place. |
| salary cheque. Don't rush to use your full credit limit. | | | | Check If the Card Returned To You Is Yours |
| Repay Maximum of the Debt You Have Incurred | | | | Sometimes by mistake and at times deliberately, |
| Make it a practice to repay the maximum of the debt | | | | attendants return redundant cards to customers and |
| billed to you. Many people try to stick around the | | | | retain the actual card for misuse. Check that the card |
| minimum amount they have to pay, which is typically 10 | | | | returned to you is yours - every time. |
| percent of the bill amount. At this rate you will take | | | | Report Lost Cards Immediately |
| about six years to repay the debt if you keep on using | | | | Do not wait to report lost or stolen credit cards. The |
| the card. Try to keep your credit card expense limited | | | | damage might be much more than the nominal fee for |
| to 10 - 20 percent of the credit limit and repay as | | | | blocking your card. |
| much as you can every month. | | | | If you are careful with your card the above mentioned |
| Keep Your Card At Home | | | | ten responsible actions regarding your credit card can |
| If you find you are over spending try leaving your | | | | save you many headaches - and a lot of money. |
| credit card at home when you go out. Take it with you | | | | |