1: Choose wisely.
Choose the best credit card for the way you use it. Credit cards are not one-size-fits all — some offer rewards or airline miles as sign-up bonuses, while others offer cash back. Check out the best travel rewards credit cards.
2: Know Your Rewards.
Be sure to take advantage of all the rewards and perks offered by your credit cards. In addition to earning you valuable miles or points, many cards also offer buyer protection, travel insurance, priority event tickets, and other great services.
3: Track Spending.
Don’t spend money you can’t pay back and even if you can pay it back at the end of the month, don’t let your balance exceed 30% of your available credit. If you are close to that limit, pay down your balance before the end of the billing cycle. If you consistently approach that threshold, considering spreading your charges across several different cards.
4: Pay On Time.
To avoid late fees and negative reports on your credit history, set-up an automatic reminder to pay your bill on time every month. Delinquent payments can stay on your credit report for seven years, however, their impact declines over time (older late payments have less of an impact than recent late payments).
5: Pay Off Your Balance.
To avoid paying interest, always pay off your full balance every month.
6: Be Alert for Fraud.
Although cards are required to reimburse you for fraudulent charges, the sooner you detect the fraud the better. If offered, sign-up for fraud protection notifications and review your charges weekly to keep an eye out for any potential fraudulent charges.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
With a 60,000 point new cardmember bonus when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months of having the card, plus 2x points on travel and at U.S. restaurants — all for a $95 annual fee — this card is one of the top rewards card values available. Chase points are transferable to 9 airlines and 4 hotels, giving you the option of booking directly via these loyalty programs for some massively lucrative award redemptions in first & business class or at 5-star luxury hotels & resorts.
