ENTRAPRENEAURAL BUDD: HOW TO GET YOUR CREDIT IN ORDER IN THE CURRENT S.A ECONOMY

A Comprehensive Guide 

to Your First Credit Card

My First Credit Card

13 Tips for Wise Credit Card Use

Susan Larsen from American West Bank has assembled a list 
of 13 credit card tips that will help you in your 
credit card usage and security.

Tips on Wise Credit Use

Even with these new safeguards, the best protection 

against getting deeply in debt is knowing the pitfalls
and how to avoid them. 

Here are some tips to assist students in using credit wisely:

Set up and follow a budget that includes paying off a 

credit card balance. “Maxing out” or charging up 

to your card’s credit limit can make sticking to your

 budget more difficult.
(Especially important for your first credit card)

->Remember that cash advances, unlike purchases, 

generally have finance charges that apply immediately.

->Pay on time, every time. Whenever possible, 

pay more than the minimum payment owed to 

pay off the balance faster and save on finance charges.

->Keep records of your account number,

 expiration date and the phone number of 

your card issuer in a safe place.

->Never give out your credit card number, 

card verification number
 (which appears on or near the signature panel) 
or expiration date over the phone, unless you initiated
 the call and know who you’re dealing with.

->Elect to receive your statement information online.

  Many banks offer an alert for unusual transactions 

and reminders of when your bill is due.

->Consider making your credit card payment online

 to ensure it is received by the monthly due date.

->Routinely access your account information online to 

track your spending and to quickly identify 

fraudulent transactions. you see a transaction that is not yours, 

notify your card issuer immediately.

->If there’s an error on your account, report it immediately 

by notifying your card issuer. Look for complete instructions on 

your monthly statement or your bank’s website and

 follow them carefully to protect your rights.

->Keep a copy of your sales receipts so you can 

compare what you bought with the charges on your bill.

->When making online transactions, be sure the site is secure.

 Don’t let others see you enter card information.

->Don’t lend your credit card to anyone, 

not even a friend. Ever.

->If you move, notify your card issuer immediately.

Best regards and good credit scores to all!