credit cards

Credit cards are a key element of building credit – but bad decisions can damage a person’s credit to great extent. While some people claim zero balances are no good for credit scores, others warn against high balance behavior if consumers want to their keep credit clean.

So which is best – a high balance or no balance? Experts explain the intricacies of the credit card game and how to play for the best credit rating results.

Should Consumers Keep a Balance on their Credit Cards? A look at whether it is better to pay off cards in one hit, or retain a balance and make payments. How options impact credit scores.
Cutting up Credit Cards Can Help Finances One step beyond no balance – how to survive after cutting up cards. Also examines the knock on effect on finances of quitting the credit card habit.
Don’t Fall Into the Balance Transfer Trap Why juggling balances between cards can have an adverse effect on credit scores. Clearing a balance from one card to another will not necessarily benefit the consumer.
How Will Clearing Credit Cards Affect Credit? Answers from the experts on the impact of a zero balance. Should consumer keep on with their credit card spending?
What Happens When Credit Card Balance Goes Too High? The problems of not paying credit card debt. How credit card debt can snowball and damage credit scores.
The Sensible Way to Keep Credit Cards Tips on how to use credit cards carefully so as not to damage credit scores. A look at the best approached to card balances.
Be Careful When Transferring Balances Clearing cards by balance transfer can damage credit consumers are warned. How to take advantage of transfer offers without any fallout.
High Card Balances Bad for Credit in the Long Term Why retaining a high balance and paying only interest could damage credit ratings and push consumers into the debt trap.
How Credit Card Balances Affect Credit A look at the impact of credit card balance on credit scoring as well as an explanation of other factors that affect this area. Advice for consumers on credit scoring.
Dangerously High Balance? Advice on reducing credit card debt. A look at a way out of the high balance trap. Advice on sensible credit card use.
Managing Credit Card Balances for Best Credit Score How consumers can work their card balances to their best advantage.
Best Ways to Keep Credit Card Balances in Control Striking a balance with credit card management to ensure best results for consumers. Credit card management tips for consumers.
Going from High Balance to Zero Balance The sensible way to clear credit card debt. How to address a high balance without damaging credit scores.
Managing Multiple High Balance Credit Cards Minimizing the damage of high balance credit cards. Advice on reducing credit card debt.
Keeping Credit Card Balances in Check A look at the best way to manage credit card spending. Addresses the issue of ongoing balances and the effects of these.
Tips for Sensible Credit Card Balance Management Keeping credit card debt under control. A how to guide to help consumers manage their credit.
Keeping Control of Credit Balances How to ensure credit card debts don’t do consumers credit damage. A guide to sensible credit card money management.
Managing Credit Card Balance to Build a Credit Score How to treat credit card debts for consumers who want to improve their credit. Examines the issue of credit card balance management.
Build and Pay a Sizeable Monthly Balance to Improve Credit Scores How consumers can make credit card debt work for them – using credit cards to rebuild credit.
Best Balance Management Strategies for Credit Building A look at how a well managed credit card balance can affect credit scorings. Savvy card use can benefit the consumer.
Maintain a Low Balance for Best Credit Advice on money management with credit  cards, including the best approach to balance levels for good credit.
Credit Card Management Tips Advice on all areas of credit card management including maintaining a healthy balance for credit scoring.
Play the Transfer Game to Achieve Zero Balance Using low interest offers to clear credit cards without damaging credit scores.
Beyond the Zero Balance Can consumers with without credit cards? A look at alternative payment methods and the impact of card cancellations.
Credit Card Provider Drops Zero Balance Customers Some post credit crunch tales to help consumers manage their credit card debt. Why it may be important to keep a balance on credit cards.
Best Balance Budgeting A look at the wisest ways to spend on credit cards. How to manage card use for better credit.
Pay Balance in Full Each Month Credit card management tips. How to use cards to their best advantage.
Closing Zero Balance Accounts Will Not Help Credit Some common credit myths and the truth behind them. Includes info on whether consumers should close zero balance accounts.
Why Consumers Should Aim for the Zero Balance Explanation of how clearing credit card debt can improve finances. Helpful hints on credit card management.
Deal With High Balances Through Balance Transfer? Explanation of the upside and some potential pitfalls of this approach to credit card balances. How to get a zero balance by using transfer services.
Tips For Credit Card Balance Management Making the most of credit card services. Advice on keeping cards current without falling into the debt trap.
Credit Card Sins Examining bad balance management and other common credit card mistakes. How to stay on top of credit card debt without damage to credit scores.
A Beginners Guide To Managing Credit Card Balances How should new cardholders approach the credit card balance question? Tips to start off on the right foot.
Balance Management for Students Starting out in credit cards can come with possible pitfalls. How to avoid the high balance trap and why it is important to pay off credit cards.
What Balance for Cardholders Budget? A look at how much consumers can afford to carry on their cards. With advice on wise use of credit cards.
Pay in Full And Other Good Advice Avoid high credit card balances for financial freedom. Tips on using credit cards.
Best Balance Habits for Good Credit A guide to how to use credit cards for the best possible credit rating. Addresses the importance of balance levels.
Keeping a Zero Balance the Best Approach During Credit Crunch A warning to credit card holders tempted to spend in the current credit climate. Why consumers should aim for zero balance in tough times.
Bad Balance Habits Some credit card behaviors that can lead to negative results for credit scores. Advice from the experts on what to avoid.
Wise Credit Card Habits Keeping the balance in balance – a look at the best way in which to approach credit card spending
When a Balance is a Benefit How credit card spending can help rebuild credit. A look at the effect of balance maintenance on credit scores.
Clearing High Balances Best Advice on why and how to clear high balance credit cards. A look at the impact of carrying high balances and how to avoid it.
Wise Balance Budgeting Hints and tips on best way to use credit cards. How to carry cards without damaging credit.
What to Do When Balance Hits Zero? How should consumers use their cards once debts are paid? What is the best choice for credit scoring?

Image Credits: Daquella manera

Categories: Advice

There are many dangers to using credit cards. Learning to use them wisely can save a lot of pain and problems later on. Things like paying off the balance each month or, not using them very often can help it to stay under control. Avoiding debt piling up is also one way to use them correctly. If you are going to use credit cards, you must do so responsibly. They are a great asset to have if used properly and not abused. They can help or hurt your credit all depending on how you use them. Never use them for more than what you can pay off each month. Here are 50 blogs with credit card tips to make sure that you are using them correctly and staying out of those dangerous pitfalls that can come with credit cards.

  1. Prepaid Cards – Tips on how using prepaid cards can help avoid those pitfalls that some fall into with credit cards.
  2. Pay off each card – Here are a few tips on learning how to pay off each card and use those cards wisely.
  3. The truth about credit cards – One person’ view on responsible credit card use and the fact that you can do it.
  4. College Students – Learn why a student should have a credit card and what to know before using one.
  5. Benefits of Credit Card – Here you will learn some of the things you can earn with a credit card and smart use of it.
  6. 10 Tips on Business Credit Cards – These are ten tips you should know before applying and using a business credit card.
  7. Tips for online shopping – Here are a few tips to be aware of when using your credit card to shop online.
  8. Credit Trap – Here is a blog on avoiding the credit trap that so many fall into.
  9. Proper Use – A blog on choosing the right credit card for your life and how to use it properly.
  10. Safety Tips – Here you will find a few safety tips on using your credit cards.
  11. Traveling – Here are a few tips on business traveling and being safe with your credit cards.
  12. Fraud – Protect yourself against credit card fraud with these tips.
  13. Vacation – Know how to protect yourself and plan for using your credit cards on your vacation trips.
  14. Managing Credit Cards – Here are some tips on how to manage your use of credit cards and protecting yourself from the debt pitfalls.
  15. Wise Use – One blogger’s tips on how to use your credit card wisely and be safe also.
  16. 5 Steps to Safety – Here are a few steps to take to ensure your credit card safety.
  17. Common Mistakes – Here are a few mistakes that usually happen with credit cards and ways to avoid them.
  18. Open Wallet – A blogger writes on the rules of using your credit cards wisely and paying them off soon.
  19. Deadbeat – According to a credit card company, deadbeats are a good thing when it comes to paying your bill on time.
  20. Benefits – There are benefits to using a credit card when it is done correctly.
  21. Choosing and using – Here are a few tips on choosing the right card for you and how to use it once approved.
  22. Tips on your first credit card – Here are a few tips on getting your first credit card.
  23. Credit tips – Learn what you should do if you have multiple cards and which ones you should cut up.
  24. Credit 101 – Here you can learn to use credit and how it affects you.
  25. Staying out of debt – Here are one blogger’s tips on staying out of debt when using credit cards.
  26. Why use Credit Cards – Here you will hear how and why one blogger uses their credit cards.
  27. Avoid Credit Card Debt – Here are a few tips on making sure you keep your credit card debt under control.
  28. Getting out of Credit Card Debt – Here are eight tips on getting out of credit card debt if you have fallen into it.
  29. Safety – Be sure when using your credit card online that you take proper measures on keeping your information safe.
  30. Tips on credit card use – Here are a few tips on using credit cards and avoiding some of the traps.
  31. Safety Tips – One blogger writes on safety tips and if it is actually safe to shop online with credit cards.
  32. 7 Shopping tips – Here are seven tips on shopping and how to be safe with your credit card while doing so.
  33. Traveling Safety – Here are a few tips on keeping your credit cards and money safe while traveling
  34. Tips on Using Cards – Here are a few tips that one blogger shares on using credit cards wisely.
  35. Jennifer’s story – Here is one woman’s story of how she lost control of her credit card and tips on preventing this from happening to you.
  36. Great Savings – Learn how to use your credit cards wisely and earn better savings and rewards while doing so.
  37. Tips and Tricks – Here you will find tips on using your cards and protecting yourself against fraud.
  38. 5 Tips – Here you will find five great tips for keeping yourself spending wisely.
  39. Student Cards – Here you will find which cards are best for students and tips on using them properly.
  40. Unsecured Card – Read about using an unsecured card wisely and the benefits of having one.
  41. Guide – Here you can learn about using credit cards and psychology associated with credit cards.
  42. Do’s and Don’ts with Student Credit Cards – Here you will find some tips and a chart on what to do and what not to do with your student credit card.
  43. Credit Card Theft – At this site you can read and learn about avoiding credit card  theft.
  44. 7 Mistakes to Avoid – Take a look at this list of seven common mistakes people do with credit cards and how to avoid them.
  45. 4 Ways – Here you can learn four ways to avoid getting into the credit card debt trap that so many fall prey to.
  46. Avoid Debt – This blogger gives tips on avoiding credit card debt.
  47. 7 Tips on Avoiding Debt – Read here to learn about paying on time, not carrying debt, and lower interest rates to avoid racking up credit card debt.
  48. 3 Rules – Here you can learn three rules on curbing your credit card troubles even before they start.
  49. 7 Ways to Payoff Debt – If you fall into the trap of credit card debt, here are seven ways to go about paying it off.
  50. Being responsible – Here are a few tips for being responsible with your credit card use.

Categories: Advice

When it comes to your credit score, you can’t be too careful. Your credit score will determine a lot of things in your life. Not only will it determine how big of a house you can buy, in some places it might even determine how much you pay for your car insurance premiums or whether or not you get a job.

Credit cards are one important factor in your credit cards. Some folks will tell you that, if you want to have a good credit score, you need to use your credit cards. This isn’t exactly true. In fact, it’s really not true at all.

To have a good credit score, you need to pay your bills on time. That’s the number one way to improve your credit score. Having a zero balance on your credit cards in and of itself doesn’t help nearly as much as paying your bills on time. Those late payments can show up on your credit report and will remain a blemish for years.

There’s another way that credit cards can affect your credit score, and that’s in the area of something known as your “utilization ratio.” This is the amount of money that you have as available credit compared to the balance on your credit card. If you have a credit limit of $10,000, for example, and you carry a balance of $3,000, you have a ratio of 30%. This is a good number, although lower is always better. If you can help it, don’t go above 30%.

In this regard, it can be good to have a zero balance on your credit cards. The main thing is that you do what you need to do to keep the cards open and active. That might mean making a few small purchases throughout the year, and paying off the balance at the end of each month.

Your credit cards matter to your credit score in another way. If all of your credit is revolving credit, such as with credit cards, you’re not going to have as good a score as if you have more diversified credit. Having a car loan or home loan along with those credit cards will be a more ideal mix, and will help your credit score.

Categories: Advice, Credit Score

It may start out as a very small indulgence. The sale is unbeatable and money won’t be a problem at the end of the week because it’s payday. But the credit card bill doesn’t get paid off.  Or, perhaps it’s a true necessity. A medical emergency, car repair or house problem that needs to be taken care of so it’s put on the credit card. It may even be due to a sudden drop in income, savings are used up and the credit card is a last resort for making ends meet.

Whatever the starting point, the end result is massive debt. It is a self-feeding debt that continues to grow. These stories highlight the debilitating debt spiral. They also provide glimpses of hope and victory as people have started taking charge of their finances and building a credit card debt free future.

  1. Master Your Card :Are you a credit Card junkie?  Are you hooked on credit?
  2. Mother Jones: Credit card companies unwilling to help customers when victims of fraud.
  3. A Day Late and a Dollar Short: Paid off over $23,000 worth of credit card debt in just 18 months. This blog helps others to rid themselves of debt
  4. Ask Mr. Credit Card: Interview with a student drowning in $15,000 of credit card debt.
  5. Smart Balance Transfers: Credit card horror stories part 37.
  6. Get out of debt: Only making minimum payments and drowning in debt. This individual went bankrupt after economy tanked in 1990 and his real estate company failed and has worked back to financial freedom.
  7. Credit bloggers: The nightmare of co-signing a credit card.
  8. WiseBread: How debt fools people.
  9. New Credit Rules: Credit card horror stories.
  10. Americans for fairness in lending: Credit card horror stories from around the country.
  11. Fun Times Guide: Store credit cards and how they can hurt you. They offer rewards upfront but can hurt you in the end.
  12. Finance and fat: Follow the financial journey of an individual $265K in debt.
  13. Get rich slowly: Drowning in debt resorting to payday loans and paying bills late.
  14. The amateur financier: Confession time, credit car debt, lost job and the bills started mounting.
  15. Blogging Away Debt: When we finally decided to shape up our financial life in February of 2006, our credit card debt was over $37,000. How can someone let their debt get that high?
  16. Women 24 : Drowning in debt article and comments.
  17. The Simple dollar: In over her head in credit card debt and personal loan to tune of $60,000 and growing.
  18. Frugal Dad: $80,000 in credit card debt, wondering where to start?
  19. Maxed Out Generation: This blog explores the human side of debt, what the credit industry doesn’t want us to know, and strategies for survival.
  20. Personal Finance by the Book: Personal Finance by the Book: When this couple married they had an average income and $21,500 in debt.
  21. Learning Curve: a love hate relationship with credit cards
  22. Rich Credit Debt Loan:The average American household has $8,000 in credit card debt.
  23. Youth Success NYC: Maxed out and shopped until she dropped into debt. Her debt problems started when she went to college and got her first credit card.
  24. McClatchy: College students’ credit-card debt spurs concerns. 24 percent have used their cards to help pay tuition.
  25. Salon:Big fat unpaid credit card debt, $500 a month to keep up minimum payments.
  26. Stop payday predators: the vicious cycle of taking cash advances from major credit cards to try and pay off payday loans.
  27. Card Ratings: Student credit cards a recipe for disaster.
  28. Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions: Credit card problems affect the well educated with good incomes.
  29. Budgets are Sexy: Check your credit card statements to make sure no unauthorized charges.
  30. Bundle: His credit card spending was out of control. At $5000 and climbing.
  31. Legal Helpers: 10 bad habits that lead to financial disaster
  32. Dollars & Sense:Credit card debt a disaster waiting to happen
  33. Live Cheap: Debt is a monthly payment trap.
  34. Debt Free Adventure: How much the interest on their debt was costing this couple monthly and why they got mad at debt.
  35. Inside Higher Ed: Long distance Mom drowning in credit card debt after medical emergency
  36. Debt Kid: Digging out from under $300,000 in debt.
  37. Money Stance: Follow his progress as he digs out from under half a million dollars in total debt.
  38. Rather Be Shopping: How she got out of credit card debt up to her eyeballs.
  39. Opposing views: College students drowning in credit card debt
  40. Liberty Consumer Services: He remembers his first credit card purchase, but he doesn’t recall when things got out of control. Soon he had two or three Visa cards, several catalog and department store cards, and a gas card. They were all maxed.
  41. The Debt Hawk: During undergrad and law school, he put emergencies onto my shiny new credit card and racked up $20,000 in debt.
  42. Young Money Talks: Credit card companies exposed as they charge large fees to students already struggling to pay off $20,000 balance.

Categories: Credit Score

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