How to use credit cards wisely
Credit cards can be extremely beneficial, provided you use them judiciously. These cards offer great convenience in making payments and completing transactions, eliminating the need to carry cash. Additionally, credit cards offer numerous benefits, such as reward points, cashback, discounts, and other offers, translating to greater savings. Unlike debit cards, credit cards come with benefits, which significantly enhance your experience.
Use of credit card: Tips for secure transactions in-store or online
When buying a product at a physical store, you can use your credit card by swiping or tapping it on the card machine at the billing counter. When shopping online, using your credit card will require you to fill in information like:
- Your card number
- The expiration date
- Card CVV, which is usually printed on the back of the card
Here are some ways to use credit cards smartly and make the most of the benefits.
Tips for using your credit card
- Make the most of the grace period
A credit card grace period constitutes the billing period of 30 days along with an additional 15 - 20 day window between the statement generation date and the payment due date. This means that the total interest-free period can extend up to 50 days. This helps cardholders make high-ticket purchases when the billing period commences taking advantage of the full grace period.
- Use the right card for the right purchase
If you have multiple credit cards, make sure you use the right one based on your needs. For example, use a fuel credit card if you spend a considerable portion of your income purchasing fuel. You can earn reward points, apart from getting a fuel surcharge waiver. Use your travel credit card to book flight tickets, hotels, and more.
- Convert your purchases into EMIs
One of the exceptional uses of a credit card is that you can convert your purchases into EMIs and repay them at your convenience.
- Shop online to earn the most reward points
Credit cards usually give you 2x reward points when you shop online.
- Redeem your reward points
You can redeem your reward points to get discounts on flight tickets, hotel bookings, and more. These points can also get you exclusive shopping vouchers, recharge vouchers and even cashback. Accumulated reward points can even be used to make down payments on big-ticket purchases.
These simple tips on how to use credit cards can help you get the maximum benefits out of your credit card. But always remember to pay the total amount due on your card within the grace period to avoid incurring additional interest charges on the outstanding dues. Doing so will also improve your credit score significantly.
Conclusion
Correct and responsible use of credit cards can be advantageous, but irresponsible use can pose a risk to your financial standing. It is important to consider some fundamental principles while using credit cards, such as spending only what is affordable, settling bills promptly, and paying the entire balance each month. Above all, it is important to choose a credit card that works for you, as what may suit your family or friends might differ from what is best for you.
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Frequently asked questions
The primary purpose of a credit card is to allow users to make purchases without having to pay the full amount up front. Instead, the user can borrow credit from a financial institution and pay it back at the end of the month or overtime on EMI but with an interest. Credit cards can also offer benefits such as reward points, welcome points, complementary offers, and other perks. The benefits are at the discretion of the card provider.
Credit cards enable you to make purchases using credit, instead of cash or debit. You can use it to make purchases at merchants that accept credit cards online and in-store. Use the Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank Credit Card and have access to numerous benefits. You can earn reward points for every transaction. Additionally, you can avail of discounts and special offers from various online and offline stores.
When you are using a credit card at a store, you can either use tap and pay facility or swipe the card. When you use it online, you can fill in your card details, CVV and validate the tarnsaction with an OTP.
You can accumulate and redeem reward points to pay for hotels, flights, shopping, and more. The redemption process will depend on your card issuer.
Credit cards are often packed with unique benefits like high reward points, cash-back offers, and EMI conversion. All these features help you make your purchase more affordable while save some money through rewards and cash backs.
There are several strategies you can use to make the most of your Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank Credit Card. Firstly, make sure to pay your bills on time and in full every month to avoid interest charges. Secondly, aim to use your credit card for purchases where you can earn rewards points, such as dining, shopping, and travel. Thirdly, take advantage of the various discounts and offers available with your credit card.
You can use your Bajaj Finserv Co-Branded Credit Cards at numerous merchant establishments that accept credit cards, both online and offline. This includes retail outlets, supermarkets, restaurants, airlines, hotels, and more.
Virtual credit cards are digital versions of physical credit cards that can be used to make online transactions. They are temporary cards with limited validity, providing an extra layer of security and protection against fraud.
Credit cards offer numerous benefits, including the convenience of cashless transactions, the ability to build credit history, rewards and cashback on purchases, and the flexibility of EMI options for large expenses. They also provide financial cushioning with an interest-free period on purchases.
Credit cards are generally safe when used responsibly. They come with security features like chip-and-PIN technology and OTP verification for transactions. Prompt reporting of lost or stolen cards and monitoring statements can further enhance safety.
Yes, credit cards often come with additional services such as complimentary insurance coverage, access to airport lounges, concierge services, and exclusive discounts on travel, dining, and shopping, adding value beyond mere transactional utility.
