Watch Out For Credit Card Gimmicks
Posted on May 27th, 2009 in Uncategorized |
Some people will believe just about anything the credit card companies say about their cards. They use tactics like lower interest on balance transfers and rewards to get you to apply for another card.
Before you fall for any new gimmicks you must understand that you are responsible for your own credit. Credit card companies are always thinking of ways to get ahead of each other. They sometimes will even throw their criteria out the window to approve marginal candidates.
Some people use credit cards as though it’s a toy that they play with. In reality credit should be something you use responsibly and not as a piggy bank for your every whim.
Today gimmicks that credit card companies use include cash back concepts, consolidation loans, toys from the credit card company, frequent flyer miles, and so on.
You should only apply for a credit card if you need one. That should be your only reason. If it is the reawards that are drawing you to this card think about what you really need this card for and if it will help you.
You should only keep one or two credit cards because that is really all you need.Over time you can develop an increased credit line that puts you in a nice position of only needing one card. The one you choose will often be the one that gives you the best rate, no annual fee, and these sorts of incentives that are not gimmicks at all.