John Peterson
Credit cards are a great asset that can help you out of financial emergencies. And, if you thought they would cost you an arm and a leg, think again. Some fees can be completely bypassed if you understand how credit cards work. Knowing how to circumvent expenses can help you save a lot over time. When you choose the best credits cards, you need to agree to and approve a number of terms and conditions. You will also receive a lengthy cardholder agreement, which outlines the fees that you might be charged when you use your credit card. Knowing all these fees and charges can help you find ways to avoid them.
Here’s a look.
- Annual Fees
While buying a credit card, remember that most cards come with an annual fee just for holding the card, although some may waive this fee during the first year. You can avoid this charge if you check the payment offers and pick a card that has no annual fee. You can also consider retention or downgrading to a lower or no fee alternative in case you already have an annual-fee card.
- Finance Charge
Financial charge is the interest on the balance you need to repay when you use your card. This interest leads to reh repayment amount increasing over time. You can avoid finance charges by paying your balance in full each month. You can also choose a card that charges a low interest, rather than a rewards card, which tend to have a higher APR.
- Late Payment Fee
If you fail to repay the card balance by the due date, your card provider is likely to charge you a late payment fee. The late fee tends to increase with every violation made within six billing cycles. To avoid this, you can choose a card with no late fee or ensure that you pay off the balance or at least make the minimum payment before the due date. This keeps your credit score in the good books too.
- Foreign Transaction Fees
Some cards deduct a foreign exchange transaction fee when you use the card in another country or make an online purchase from another country. You can avoid this fee by choosing the best credit card with no foreign transaction fee. Many travel credit cards do not levy this fee.
- Cash Advance Fees
Using the card to withdraw cash within your credit limit will entail you to a cash advance fee. It could be fees taken per withdrawal or a percentage of withdrawal, or maybe both. Using credit cards to withdraw cash is an extremely expensive option. Instead, consider other alternatives, such as a personal loan, to cover any sudden expenses. Also remember that the ATM you are using to withdraw money from might charge you a fee as well.
These are a few strategies with which you can steer clear of some of the common charges in a smart way. Make sure to learn about the various fees and charges on your card, so that you can plan and avoid them completely. You can choose a credit card with amazing payment offers, while accessing the lowest possible charges.
