Ten Credit Card Smart Tips
 
  There are a few things you can do to change your old ways of using a credit card.  The average family has around a $9,000 balance with all of their cards maxed out.  Do not become one of the average, pay bills up front and on time to avoid having a large debt.  Even though families have such a large balance, they still sign up for additional credit cards each year.  This gives credit-card companies the bragging rights to say they sign up over 150 million new cards per year. So check your wallet and figure out which cards are necessary, and which are not. Some things that you can do to smarten up your credit card habits are listed below:
 
  1.Demand benefits.  Credit card companies are loyal to their customers. They will usually do anything in their power to keep you as one, especially if you pay your bills on time.  Long term customers can receive even more benefits if they ask for them!  So next time you are with a company for awhile, ask for that annual-fee waiver, late fee cancellation, extended introductory rate, or even a lower interest rate.
 
  2.Read the small print. Believe it or not it is important, and will sneak up on you later. It is best to be prepared for fees you “did not know about” or interest rate increases.  So sit down and read it in full, you will be much more informed.
 
  3.Avoid cash withdrawals and check convenience.  These two things will increase your interest rate dramatically as well as send out hidden fees.
 
  4.Check over your bill and statements.  Charges can be sent in twice, or maybe the amount is incorrect.  Keep track of your receipts and purchases, and check the bill carefully when it comes.  Dispute anything that seems odd by calling your company or the person that made the charge.
 
  5.Seek a credit counselor.  They can help you cut your debt, and even offer advice on how to improve your credit in the future.
 
  6.Do not just accept cards!  Of course credit card companies will send you offers with “great interest rates” and tell you they are better than your current credit card.  However, it is up to you to decide if you really need that extra credit card, or were you just a victim to their advertising?  Two credit cards per person is ideal, but you may want to keep one because of the great benefits which is fine – if you can pay off the debt.  Do not just cut up the cards – call the company and make sure that you are cancelled or it could end up damaging your credit later.
 
  7.Pay in larger amounts.  Taking your time paying off the debt on a huge credit card balance could take years...40 or so.  If your credit card balance is enormous, pay it off in large chunks or you will pay more than the balance in interest alone.  Take that balance from high to low as soon as you can.
 
  8.Pick the right card for you.  Look at your spending and payment history and decide what kind of credit card would fit you best.  Also, check out the benefits on different cards and choose which would help you the most.  Very few credit card companies charge annual fees, so do not pay one unless the rewards are worth it.
 
  9.Use the benefits to your advantage.  Credit card companies have increased security measures and protection set up for their customers. They are obligated to help you if there is any question that a charge is not you. The Federal Government has set this obligation for consumer’s privacy and protection against identity theft.

  10.Pay bills by their priority level. Decide which are the most urgent by placing a priority level.  This will allow you to get a better handle on your credit, and keep that credit score low.  Pay credit cards off that have the highest interest rate first rather than spreading your money out amongst all the bills.  Pay the minimum for low interest cards, and spend most of your money on the one that has the major interest rate.