| If you don't have a credit card or have one | | | | mortgages when you need them. |
| that you don't use very much, you may be | | | | |
| asking yourself: "why do I even need a credit | | | | Security |
| card?" Many people are sceptical about the | | | | |
| need to have a credit card, even though so | | | | Another reason why having a credit card is |
| many others have more than one. If you are | | | | important is security. Credit cards are much |
| not sure whether credit cards are really | | | | more secure than cash or debit cards, and you |
| necessary, then here is some advice to help | | | | can stop people from taking your money. Also, |
| you to decide if you need a credit card or | | | | if someone does use your card you are usually |
| not. | | | | covered and can claim all or part of the |
| | | | costs back. Card security also works the |
| Do I need a card? | | | | other way, and many retailers or service |
| | | | providers require a credit card for bookings |
| The first thing you should ask yourself is | | | | or purchases. Perhaps the best examples of |
| whether or not you really need a credit card. | | | | this are hotels, which often require a credit |
| If you have managed perfectly well for years | | | | card in order to allow you to book a room or |
| without a credit card, and your situation | | | | pay for extra services. |
| hasn't changed, then perhaps you don't need a | | | | |
| card. If you have money saved then you don't | | | | Debts |
| need a card for emergencies, and there is no | | | | |
| need to pay fees and interest if you can live | | | | Of course, there are reasons why you don't |
| comfortably the way you do now. However, if | | | | need a card. They are extremely tempting to |
| you find that you are unable to buy large | | | | use, and with high credit limits you often |
| items that you need because you cannot afford | | | | feel like you are not really spending money. |
| to buy them in one go, then you should look | | | | This can put you deeply into debt and will |
| at getting a credit card. | | | | severely harm your credit rating if you |
| | | | cannot make the repayments. If you are |
| Credit history | | | | someone who cannot easily control their |
| | | | spending, then you should probably steer |
| Although you might not need to spend on a | | | | clear of credit cards. |
| credit card because you are perfectly fine | | | | |
| with cash or a debit card, not having a | | | | Are cards necessary? |
| credit card can harm your credit history. If | | | | |
| you are a responsible spender then having a | | | | Although credit cards can cause debt and |
| credit card will help to build up a credit | | | | other problems, for most people they are a |
| history. Although you might have never been | | | | necessity for everyday life, and are required |
| in debt, this can actually be a problem when | | | | for them to live their life properly. |
| you come to get finance such as loans or | | | | However, this doesn't mean that getting a |
| mortgages. Lenders like to see that you can | | | | credit card is right for everyone. If you are |
| handle debt such as credit cards. Having a | | | | honest with yourself and look at your |
| credit card simply for the purposes of | | | | lifestyle, you will be able to decide whether |
| improving your credit history is a good idea. | | | | getting a credit card is right for you. As |
| If you spend on the card wisely and pay your | | | | long as you can make the repayments and you |
| bills on time then you will have a better | | | | use the card responsibly, then having a |
| chance of getting great deals on loans and | | | | credit card is a good idea. |