Credit cards are everywhere! In fact, the average American has four credit cards and that number is only going up. Credit cards are versatile financial tools that come with many benefits. But there are also some disadvantages of which you should be aware. Keep reading to learn more. 7 Advantages of Credit Cards Whether it’s one of the major credit cards or a retail card specific to one store or brand, credit cards make it easy to purchase items you need, and those you want. The following seven advantages of credit cards make it hard to ignore their usefulness. 1. They’re Convenient Cash is anything but convenient. For starters, you’ve… read more »

As you work to build up your credit score, you may be wondering if you have enough credit cards or perhaps too many. While the number of credit cards is important, what’s essential is understanding credit utilization. In other words, how much of your available credit is in use. You have to use credit to have a strong credit score, but overusing it could hurt you, too. Confused? Here’s a closer look at how to determine how many credit cards you should have. What Is Credit Utilization? Often expressed as a ratio, credit utilization is the amount of revolving credit you’re using right now compared to the amount of credit… read more »

Since credit card fraud can be a costly and inconvenient mishap, the best thing consumers can do is take steps to prevent it from happening in the first place. When you know the right strategies for fraud prevention, your financial data will remain safe and secure. Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to prevent credit card fraud.  What Is Credit Card Fraud? Credit card fraud involves the fraudulent use of a credit card to obtain cash or complete transactions. This usually occurs in one of two ways – through the physical use of a lost or stolen credit card or the compromise of your digital financial data through… read more »

If you’re shopping around for a new card, you may be wondering how to choose the best credit card. With so many options out there, how can you start to work through all the considerations? We’ll help you make sense of how to compare and select a credit card, from the beginning of the process to your first swipe. Check Your Credit First things first. You want to know what kind of deals and rates you’re eligible for. Financial institutions look at your credit history and credit report to determine whether you get a higher or lower interest rate on your card. That means you need to check your credit… read more »

It can be stressful juggling multiple credit cards and trying to stay on top of your payments, especially when each card has a different interest rate. Luckily, a credit card balance transfer can simplify your finances and save you money. All you have to do is apply for a low-interest credit card and then follow a few simple steps. Read on for more helpful tips about balance transfers. What Is a Credit Card Balance Transfer? A balance transfer is when you take the balance of one or more of your credit cards and move the money you owe to a different card. It’s a form of debt consolidation that lets… read more »

You may be just graduating high school heading into college, purchasing your first home, retiring or looking to buy your dream car. No matter where you are in your life, odds are you will need your credit checked at some point. But you may have heard the simple saying “how can I build credit, if my credit score is low and I do not have the chance to?” This old paradox has left many individuals confused, frustrated and downright angry. Credit scores have always been difficult waters to navigate, but with proper guidance, you can set sail on a financially healthy life. What is a credit score? In order to… read more »

With 2020 in the books, I’d love to look at my finances to get on track for 2021. How do i start? This question is asked more then you may think. Having a financial review at the end of a year is important in helping prepare you for financial success in the year to come. This simple step-by-step process can get you ready to grow financially for the coming year. End-of-Year Review Process Giving yourself an end-of-year financial review is a wonderful way to check on the progress you’ve made toward your goals, highlight areas needing improvement and update your accounts, funds and investments. Here’s all you need to know… read more »

Congratulations! You are about to apply for your first credit card! Having heard about how great a credit card can be, and the importance of building credit, you decided to do some research. You saw fancy things like “0% interest for the first year” and “2% cashback on purchases” that sound like a great deal, but what does it all mean? Whether you are going into college and getting your first credit card, or deciding now is the time to build your credit, you have come to the right place. This guide will help you understand basic credit card terms, and how you can start building your credit score today!… read more »

Q: I’d love to improve my credit score, but I can’t get ahead of my monthly payments. I also find that my spending gets out of control when I’m paying with plastic. How do I use my credit cards responsibly? A: Using your credit cards responsibly is a great way to boost your credit score and your financial wellness. Unfortunately, though, credit card issuers make it challenging to stay ahead of monthly payments and easy to fall into debt with credit card purchases. No worries, though; Belco Community CU is here to help! Here’s all you need to know about responsible credit card usage. Refresh your credit card knowledge Understanding the way… read more »

When you hear about rewards credit cards, what do you think? I’m sure points and bonuses and cash-back galore come to mind. What’s better than getting rewarded for spending money?  While rewards credit card might seem straight to the point, you could be wondering, how do credit card rewards work? Keep reading to get all of the details about how credit card points work and how to get the most from your rewards card.  What Are Credit Card Rewards Points? If your credit card offers rewards points, you earn points for the money you spend with your credit card. You can then redeem those points for gift cards, cash-back, travel… read more »