Category Archives: Credit Management and Credit Cards

Credit Card Mistakes to Avoid

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Credit cards can be a useful financial tool when used wisely. They can help you build credit, earn rewards, and manage your expenses. However, there are also potential pitfalls associated with credit card use, such as credit card scams and other mistakes that can lead to financial trouble. Here are some of the top credit card mistakes to avoid, whether you’re a new cardholder or are looking for a refresher.

Carrying a balance

One of the most common credit card mistakes is carrying a balance from month to month. When you carry a balance, you’re charged interest on the amount you owe, which can add up quickly and lead to long-term debt. It’s important to pay off your credit card balance in full each month to avoid interest charges and improve your credit score. If you can’t pay off your balance in full, be sure to pay more than the minimum payment to reduce the amount of interest you’ll accrue.

Falling for credit card scams

Credit card scams are a growing problem that can cost you money and put your financial information at risk. Some common credit card scams include phishing scams, where scammers try to obtain your personal information by posing as a legitimate company, and fake credit card offers that require you to pay a fee upfront. To protect yourself from credit card scams, be wary of unsolicited offers, never give out personal information to someone you don’t know, and monitor your credit card statements regularly for any unauthorized charges.

Maxing out your credit limit

Another mistake credit card users make is maxing out their credit limit. When you use up all of your available credit, it can negatively impact your credit score and make it harder to obtain additional credit in the future. It’s important to keep your credit utilization rate below 30%, which means you should use no more than 30% of your available credit. For example, if your credit limit is $10,000, you should try to keep your balance below $3,000. If you do need to make a large purchase, consider spreading the cost over multiple months or using a personal loan instead.

In addition to these top three credit card mistakes, there are other pitfalls to be aware of, such as paying your credit card bill late, using your credit card for cash advances, and opening too many credit cards at once. By avoiding these mistakes and using your credit card responsibly, you can improve your financial well-being and achieve your long-term goals.

At First Financial, we’re committed to helping you make informed financial decisions, including managing your credit card use. We offer 3 consumer credit card options with competitive rates and rewards, as well as educational resources to help you use your credit card responsibly. Our Visa First Step Card is a great card for building credit as a first-time cardholder as well.*

Whether you’re a first-time credit card user or a seasoned pro, we’re here to help you achieve your financial goals and secure your financial future. Contact us to get started, or stop by your local branch to speak with a representative today!

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Related Article: Steps to Improving Your Credit Score

 *APR varies up to 18% when you open your account based on your credit worthiness. These APRs are for purchases and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Subject to credit approval. Rates quoted assume excellent borrower credit history. Your actual APR may vary based on your state of residence, approved loan amount, applicable discounts and your credit history. No Annual Fees. Other fees that apply: Balance Transfer and Cash Advance Fees of 3% or $10, whichever is greater; Late Payment Fee of $29, $10 Card Replacement Fee, and Returned Payment Fee of $29. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a Visa Credit Card and is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers, or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. See firstffcu.com for current rates.

What New Credit Card Users Need to Know

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Have you thought about the age you can typically start building credit? While age 23 may be the minimum age requirement for opening a credit card, the idea of even having a credit card may be nerve wracking for some.

We’re here to tell you everything you need to know so you can build your credit with confidence. Here are some important tips to consider before applying for your first credit card.

Don’t just make minimum payments.

You might think covering the minimum payment each month is enough, but in reality – you’ll end up paying more in interest that way. Credit cards typically have a grace period from when your statement closes to when your bill is due. If you pay off your balance in full ahead of the due date, you won’t be charged any interest (this is the ideal scenario).

Say for example, you have a $5,000 balance on your credit card with a 15% interest rate. If you only pay the minimum payment, it could take you three years to pay the full balance with an extra whopping $1,500 in interest charges. Long story short, always try to pay your balance in full.

Always make your payments on time.

Another way you could end up paying more than anticipated on a credit card, is if you miss a payment or are past due. Even if you’re only a day late, your credit card company could charge you a late fee – which can also add up if you’re frequently late. We recommend setting up automatic payments to avoid any future late fees.

Only charge what you can afford.

If the goal is to pay off your credit card balance in full each month (which it should be!), it’s important to only charge what you can afford. Don’t get trapped in “I’ll pay it off later,” because that’s how many people get stuck with credit card debt that becomes out of control.

Instead of thinking of your credit card as “free money,” treat it like a debit card. Meaning, don’t put it on your credit card if you don’t have enough money in the bank for the purchase. This may seem obvious, but it’s also very tempting to just swipe away when you get your card.

Shop around for a credit card.

Not all credit cards are created equal. Some cards are meant for new users, while others are made for more seasoned credit cardholders. It’s always best to first shop around for a credit card that meets your needs and spending habits – before committing to one just because of the alluring benefits.

For example, a store credit card may save you $20 on your next purchase, but it also may typically have a higher interest rate. Plus, those exciting discounts are usually only available in that specific store – which is smart for the business, but likely not ideal for you.

At First Financial, we offer 4 consumer credit card options that each have benefits like a 10-day grace period and no annual fees.+ Our Visa First Step Card is a great card for building credit as a first time cardholder as well.*

Always review your credit card statements.

Every month you’ll receive a bill for your credit card with a list of purchases. You should always review your statement. Why? You can catch any fraudulent charges sooner and have a better grasp of your spending habits. Many card companies offer a detailed report of your spending categories which comes in handy when budgeting and cutting costs where you can. You can even save on paper by receiving your statements online instead of through the mail.

Are you about to begin your credit card journey and don’t know where to start? You can rest assured knowing our financial experts are happy to give you advice based on your situation. Contact us to get started, or stop by your local branch to speak with a representative today!

*APR varies up to 18% when you open your account based on your credit worthiness. These APRs are for purchases and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Subject to credit approval. Rates quoted assume excellent borrower credit history. Your actual APR may vary based on your state of residence, approved loan amount, applicable discounts and your credit history. No Annual Fees. Other fees that apply: Balance Transfer and Cash Advance Fees of 3% or $10, whichever is greater; Late Payment Fee of $29, $10 Card Replacement Fee, and Returned Payment Fee of $29. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a Visa Credit Card and is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers, or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. See firstffcu.com for current rates.

+No late fee will be charged if payment is received within 10 days from the payment due date.

Steps to Improving Your Credit Score

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Maintaining a good credit score is an important part of building your financial future. Not only does your credit score help lenders determine your credit risk, but it also affects the interest rates and fees you pay. Without a good credit score, you’ll have difficulty securing a loan or mortgage down the line. But don’t stress! If you take action to improve your credit score now, it will start increasing in no time.

What makes up your credit score?

Understanding your credit score is a crucial piece of planning your financial success. The bulk of your credit score is made up of your payment history (such as on time or late payments) and the amount owed. Additional factors include the length of credit, new credit (or the accumulation of debt in the last 12-18 months), and the type of credit.

What will hurt your credit score?

Maintaining a good credit score means being cautious with how your handle your money. Your credit score can be negatively impacted by:

  • Missing or late payments
  • Maxing out credit cards and shopping for credit excessively
  • Opening up numerous loans and credit cards in a short time frame
  • Closing credit cards out (as this could lower your available capacity)
  • Borrowing from finance companies

How to improve your credit score

Poor credit won’t haunt you forever, and it’s still completely possible to turn your credit score around! While there is no quick fix, there are long-term improvements you can make to help boost your score over time.

Here’s what you can do to better your credit:

  • Pay your bills on time – You may have to set a reminder on your phone so you don’t forget, but this is very important!
  • Pay off or pay down your credit cards. Come up with a payment plan that focuses on paying down the highest interest cards first, even if that means maintaining minimum payments on your other accounts in the meantime. The goal is to keep credit card balances low and pay them off when possible.
  • Don’t close credit cards – This may decrease your capacity, thus negatively impacting your score.
  • Slow down on opening new accounts as this approach could backfire and actually lower your credit score.
  • Contact a financial advisor or creditor if you’re having trouble making ends meet. They will help you better manage your credit and pay on time.

Don’t let your credit score stop you from bettering your financial future! Use our guide to managing your credit and getting out of debt for additional tips and resources, or stop into your local branch to speak with a representative!

How to Manage Your Credit Card During Difficult Times

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Life can get expensive, especially during times like these. While your credit card has likely provided you with some additional freedom and flexibility lately, it’s important to remember that your credit card is not free money. You will have to pay it back eventually (and with interest)!

With U.S. credit card debt hitting an all-time high of $930 billion earlier this year, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, we could all probably use a reminder on how to effectively use and manage our credit cards. Here’s some important advice:

Try to pay your credit card off ahead of time.

There are many reasons you should always try to pay your credit card off ahead of time, but the most important is to avoid paying interest. Accounts that don’t run a continuous balance are given an interest-free grace period, which usually lasts until the next due date. If you can’t pay in full, be sure to pay as much as you can – in order to reduce your interest payments.

In addition to avoiding interest payments, paying your credit card off ahead of time can also help to improve your credit score – since it reduces the amount of your credit limit used. This, along with payment history – can account for the majority of your credit score.

Don’t strain your wallet.

You should avoid maxing out or spending anywhere near your credit limit, as it could cause long-term financial issues – like fees, debt, and damage to your credit score. A good practice is to use less than 40% of your available credit. Treat your credit card similar to a debit card or checkbook. If you don’t have the money currently or can’t save to pay it off later, that should be a sign that you really can’t afford to make a purchase.

Monitor your balance daily.

If you’re using your credit card for everyday purchases, it can be easy to forget how fast those daily transactions can add up. That’s why it’s crucial to regularly monitor your balance. One of the best ways to do this is to download your card’s mobile app. Also, be sure to set up daily or weekly account balance updates/notifications that can be sent directly to your phone or email. You can often do this right from the mobile app, or through your online account. Typically you can also set up monthly payment reminders here too.

Take advantage of your credit card rewards. 

Take full advantage of any rewards or benefits programs offered through your credit card. This can mean anything from retailer gift cards, cash back, electronics and airline miles. These perks can save you money! If you’re contemplating a new credit card, make sure to choose the credit card that best suits your needs and lifestyle – along with a low APR.

First Financial has great credit card options, lower APRs and no annual fee.* 

Let us help you find the right card for you! Check out our website or give us a call so we can answer any questions you may have. Or if you like what you see, you can apply online 24/7!

*APR varies up to 18% when you open your account based on your credit worthiness. These APRs are for purchases and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Subject to credit approval. Rates quoted assume excellent borrower credit history. Your actual APR may vary based on your state of residence, approved loan amount, applicable discounts and your credit history. No Annual Fees. Other fees that apply: Balance Transfer and Cash Advance Fees of 3% or $10, whichever is greater; Late Payment Fee of $29, $10 Card Replacement Fee, and Returned Payment Fee of $29. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a Visa Credit Card and is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers, or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. See firstffcu.com for current rates.

Article Source: Jackson Bolstad for CUInsight.com

 

3 Credit Score Tips During COVID-19

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COVID-19 will undeniably have an impact on consumers’ lives and finances in the coming months. Now is a critical time for people to take the appropriate actions to protect and monitor their credit. How can you keep your credit score in check during this time? Keep reading.

Review your credit score and report regularly.

Monitoring your credit score and report is just as important as monitoring your account balances. Noticing a sudden drop in your bank account balance without any action on your part, is a major indicator that there could be fraudulent activity on your account. The same goes for your credit. Do a monthly review to ensure that all the information on your credit report is accurate, and immediately dispute anything that is incorrect with the credit bureaus – before it has a negative impact on your credit score. It’s best to be proactive!

Sign up for a credit monitoring service.

It’s important to have a credit monitoring service working behind the scenes for you, and in between any periodic reviews. A credit monitoring service will immediately notify you of any unexpected changes or activity that could negatively impact your credit. In today’s world, these alerts are typically in real-time – giving you the ability to stop any fraudsters as soon as possible. Growing unemployment and financial strain during this time will increase fraudulent activity around the globe, and could also up your chances of being hacked or scammed – so please stay on top of your credit report.

Monitor your rates to find more savings.

It’s always recommended to have a rainy day fund for times like the present. Could savings be hidden in your auto loan with a refinance or using the equity in your vehicle (cash out auto loan)? Rates are at historic lows, which means it’s the perfect time to revisit the interest rates you are paying. If you live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties in NJ – contact us to inquire about refinancing your credit card debt into a fixed low-rate personal loan. An auto or mortgage refinance can also often shave dollars, sometimes hundreds – off your monthly payment.*

Staying on top of your credit is important to do for both yourself and your loved ones. Your current credit decisions will have an impact on your finances for years to come. A late payment can stay on your credit report for up to seven years and costs the average person hundreds, if not thousands more in interest. Check out our credit management guidebook, be sure to review your credit report – and if you have questions, reach out to us! We are here for you.

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Not all applicants will qualify, subject to credit approval. Additional terms & conditions may apply. Actual rate may vary based on credit worthiness and term. A First Financial membership is required to obtain a First Financial loan and is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers or attends school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. See credit union for details. A $5 deposit in a base savings account is required for credit union membership prior to opening any other account/loan. First Financial FCU maintains the right to not extend credit, after you respond, if we determine you do not meet our guidelines for creditworthiness. Current loans financed with First Financial FCU are not eligible for review or refinance.

Article Source: Chris Fraenza for Savvymoney.com

Ways to Protect Your Credit Cards

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If you’ve ever been a victim of identity theft, you know it’s awful. Between the time it takes to get everything corrected and the stress it causes – it’s definitely a spot you’d like to avoid if you can. Though nothing is fool proof, there are several ways in which you can protect your finances. Here are a few that pertain to keeping your credit card information safe from fraud.

Secure all your cards: If your wallet is ever stolen and you lost every card, think about what a nightmare it would be to have to cancel and replace them all. Really consider this the next time you leave home. Try to only take the cards you absolutely need and keep the rest in a secure location like a safe or locked drawer. Try to also minimize the amount of cash you have on you as well and only bring what you need. This way if your wallet gets lost or stolen, you aren’t literally losing everything.

Pay attention: It might be difficult to keep track of a criminal’s activities in real-time, but you can check on your accounts regularly. Today’s smartphone banking and credit card apps really make it easy and fast to check on all your accounts and look for fraudulent transactions. If you’re keeping track of your spending and looking at your accounts daily, you’ll know the minute something happens that looks out of the ordinary. Checking on your accounts every day also helps you monitor your monthly budget and spending habits too.

Opt for being more high-tech: Have you ever used your smartphone’s digital wallet? Many retailers are set up to take payments via Apple Pay and Google Pay, and it’s very easy to use. EMV chips in your credit and debit cards also make transactions more secure and prevent card skimming as well. When shopping online, if PayPal or your phone’s digital wallet are options for payment over entering your card number – always go that route.

Using the above tips can help protect your financial information and really save you from an identity theft headache. Also be weary when using an ATM or paying for gas at the pump – be sure to check for any skimming devices before inserting your card. If something seems off to you, it probably is. Read about how to spot a skimming device in our guidebook here.

T.H.I.N.K First because There’s Harm In Not Knowing!

Article Source: John Pettit for CUInsight.com