Have you ever wondered how credit cards work, what all the terminology surrounding them actually means, and how you should use them the smart way so that you only reap their benefits without suffering their drawbacks? In this article I’ll teach you all you need to know about credit cards, APRs, and how to avoid paying fees.
Credit cards are a convenient method to pay for purchases without using cash. Essentially, you are accepted for a line of credit with a limit, and you may then utilize that amount to make whatever purchases you deem necessary. However, you will be required to make monthly payments, and there are certain negatives to credit cards, such as paying interest and fees.
Credit cards are essentially small, recurring, short-term loans. They make it quick and easy to pay for products online and in stores, and they help you avoid carrying big quantities of cash with you. They’re also good for developing credit, which is a vital aspect of your financial health when it comes to purchasing a new car or a home.
If you’re thinking about signing up for a credit card you might be curious about how they work. Before spending time and money on any financial instrument it is critical to understand how it works. In this article, I’ll guide you through the fundamentals you’ll need to know to feel confident about applying for a credit card, whether it’s your first or you’d like a refresher on the most crucial things to know.
Technically, how do credit cards work? To begin, let me define credit cards in further detail.
What Are Credit Cards and How Do Credit Cards Work?
Credit cards are a type of revolving credit. Unlike a typical loan, which requires a borrower to take out a particular amount of money and then pay it back over a fixed time period, revolving credit enables a borrower to continue to take out money up to a certain point. This maximum amount a borrower can take out is known as a credit limit. The borrowed money then needs to be paid it back before the process starts over. Credit cards are essentially a line of credit (i.e. a certain amount of money) that you may use to buy things but must pay back at the end of each cycle, which is usually at the end of every month.
Credit cards perform several functions: For starters, they’re convenient. Rather than carrying cash with you all the time, a card allows you to swiftly make purchases, even large ones, with a single swipe or touch. This also increases security. If you lose a large sum of money, you’re out of luck. However, if your credit card is stolen, many card issuers will identify the fraud and halt transactions as well as potentially refund you for fraudulent transactions.
Credit cards can also be used to finance items for which you do not have the cash right away. For example, if you have an emergency and need to fly somewhere, you might use a credit card to purchase plane tickets even if you don’t have the appropriate funds in your bank account at the moment. People also use credit cards to fund non-emergency expenditures, but this can cause problems because credit cards often have very high interest rates, which we’ll go over in more detail below.
Credit cards are a common method of payment. In the United States, there are currently more than 1.1 billion credit cards in circulation. As more and more trade has migrated online, credit cards have become far more handy than cash, which cannot be used to make online purchases. Credit cards, as popular as they are, may also lead you into problems if used recklessly. Following that, I’ll go over some of the finer points of how credit cards function.
How Do Credit Card Interest Rates Work?
If you don’t pay off your credit card debt by the end of the monthly cycle, you’ll be charged interest. Interest is a monetary amount that you are required to pay back and that is added to the amount you borrowed. It is essentially the cost of using a credit card, in addition to possible fees, which I’ll discuss more below. If you carry a balance on your card for several billing cycles, you will be charged interest on the money you borrowed. And, because credit card interest rates are often rather high, debt can quickly accumulate if you do not pay off your bill in full. According to the Federal Reserve, the average credit card interest rate at the end of 2021 was 16.44 percent, which explains why it’s typically preferable to avoid paying interest.
Here’s an illustration of how interest works: Assume you have $500 on your credit card. Many credit cards feature a “minimum payment” option, which means that instead of paying the entire $500, you may pay just $40 to not be charged a late fee. If you pay that $40, the remaining $460 will continue to accrue interest on your debt. If you have a 20% interest rate, your new balance will be $552, which includes the added $92 in interest.
Another phrase you’ll come across while looking for a credit card is APR, or annual percentage rate. This refers to the interest rate on your credit card. The APR for various financial instruments differs from the interest rate, however this is not the case with credit cards.
How Do Credit Card Fees Work?
Many credit cards charge fees in addition to interest rates. Late payment penalties and yearly fees for credit card ownership are two examples of expenses you may encounter. Fees can raise the overall cost of using a credit card. While late fees can be costly, they are also easily avoidable: simply be sure you pay your credit card account on time each month.
It is feasible, and often preferred, to obtain a credit card with no annual fee. However, certain cards with desired benefits, such as airline miles or cash back, may impose an annual fee that is worthwhile. The decision is ultimately up to you, the buyer. Other credit cards that have an annual fee may be offered to someone with a lower credit rating.
Foreign transaction fees, costs for exceeding your credit limit, and balance transfer fees are also frequent: when you transfer your credit card balance from one card to another banks will often charge additional fees.
How Do Credit Card Payments Work?
Credit card payment cycles normally last 28 to 31 days, so you can anticipate to pay your credit card account on a monthly basis. Payments are typically simple: you log into your account online and pay with an e-check or debit card. Alternatively, if you prefer to do business by mail, you may submit a check to your credit card company once they have mailed you a copy of your statement and bill.
As previously stated, credit cards frequently allow you to make a minimal payment. While this might be helpful if you’re short on funds and want to avoid a late charge, it’s always a good idea to pay your whole total, or at least a larger percentage of your balance, rather than just the minimum.
How Does Credit Card Debt Work?
When you use a credit card, you are basically taking out a little short-term debt. The terms of the loan require that it needs be paid off by the end of each month. Debt accumulates when you do not pay off your credit card charge every month. Even if you make the minimal payment – typically a percentage of the entire amount owing, such as $30 or $50 – interest will start to accrue on the remaining debt. Approximately 35% of millennials have credit card debt, which can have a major impact on your finances even after only a short period of time.
Consider the following example: Assume you owe $500 on your credit card and have made a payment of $100. The remaining $400 will continue to accrue interest. If your interest rate is 20%, you’ll owe $480 on your next statement from your remaining debt plus interest. The fact that interest accumulates makes it far more difficult for many credit card users to pay off their debt when they’ve accumulated a significant amount of it. Because of compounding, the next time interest is computed on your account, it will be applied to the new $480 total rather than the $400 principle.
That’s why, when paying your bills each month, it’s a good idea to pay more than the minimum. Do so will prevent the crushing compound interest that may otherwise accrue.
How Do Credit Card Balance Transfers Work?
Balance transfers are a method of debt consolidation or paying a lower interest rate. For example, if you have a credit card with a 20% interest rate and a $2000 amount to pay off, you may hunt for a new card with a lower rate to transfer your balance to and begin paying down your balance without incurring as much interest.
It should be noted that many credit card issuers may impose a fee for balance transfers. If you are moving your amount to pay off debt, be sure that the balance transfer charge is low enough to make the exchange worthwhile.
What Are The Main Facts To Remember?
What is the procedure for using a credit card? Credit cards may be a beneficial financial instrument for a variety of reasons, including convenience, security, and the development of personal credit. Once you’ve mastered them, you’ll be able to purchase online, receive rewards, and develop a good credit profile while covering your day-to-day and even greater costs.
It’s also important to remember that credit cards have certain limitations. They have high interest rates and may levy exorbitant fees for continuous use. Check out the Money Whisper blog for tips, tactics, and insights on how to use credit cards the smart way and quickly get rid of any remaining credit card debt.
