12 Important Credit Terms You Should Know
There are many different credit card options out there from affinity cards to rewards cards. When choosing a credit card, the most important thing is to know exactly how you’ll plan to use it. The perfect credit card for someone who maintains a balance is probably the wrong card for someone who pays his or her balance off every single month. Once you know how you’ll use your card, you should compare some of the features of various credit cards to see which one will suit your financial needs.
Credit Card Terms and Conditions
Remember, when you agree to the terms of a credit card, you are entering into a legally binding document. The following are some things to consider when choosing which credit card to obtain:
1. Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
The APR measures the cost of credit on an annual basis and may be the easiest way to compare costs among credit cards. Usually, the lower the APR, the less you'll be charged for credit. The APR includes the interest rate and other costs, such as service charges or loan fees. If you expect to pay back less than the full amount you charge each month, you’ll have to pay finance charges on the unpaid balance. In this case, choose a card with a low APR.
2. Credit Limit
Your credit limit represents the most you can borrow on any individual account. A credit limit of $5,000 means that you can only maintain a maximum outstanding balance of $5,000. If your balance exceeds the limit, you may be charged additional fees.
For credit scoring purposes, it's generally advised that your balances not exceed 30% of your available credit. If your usage gets too high, you may want to focus on paying down your balance quickly.
3. Payment Due Date
Your credit card account will typically have a single assigned monthly due date. Regardless of when you make payments, this is the date each month when payments will be due. If this lines up poorly with your payday, you can ask the credit card provider to change the date.
4. Closing Date
The closing date is when one statement period ends and the next one begins. A closing date of November 10, means that charges up to that point will be factored into your next due payment. Typically the closing date comes slightly less than a month before the corresponding payment due date.
5. Annual Fee
Some companies charge an annual fee, no matter how much or how little you use your card. If you intend to pay your credit card bills in full each month, you won't have to pay monthly finance charges, so a card with a low or no annual fee will be more important to you than one with a low APR.
6. Grace Period
A grace period allows you to avoid finance charges if you pay your bill before its due date. Some credit cards have no grace period and begin to impose finance charges the day you charge an item. Other cards offer grace periods from 21 to 30 days. Cards with longer grace periods can save you money if you pay all of your charges each month.
7. Minimum Payment
Your credit card agreement will spell out exactly how much you're obligated to pay each month. Depending on the balance, you'll either pay a percentage of the current balance or a flat minimum (presuming the percentage is less than the flat minimum). The numbers will vary, but 2% and $25 are common numbers. If your balance is below the flat minimum, you would be responsible for the entire balance.
8. Credit Balance
Because finance charges are based on your balance, it is important to know how your balance is calculated. One of the most common types of finance charge is the average daily balance. To calculate your average daily balance, the creditor adds each daily balance together and then divides by the number of days in the month. Some issuers include new purchases in their calculations; others do not. While most creditors calculate your balance based on one month’s average daily balance others base your charges on the average daily balance for two billing cycles.
Other possible methods include the previous balance method (based on the amount owed at the end of the previous billing cycle) and the adjusted balance method (where they subtract payments before calculating the finance charge).
9. Transaction Fees
Many cards assess fees when you use your card in certain ways. For example, transaction fees are common for cash advances and wire transfers. Some cards also charge fees for purchasing theater tickets over the phone, buying lottery tickets, or charging casino gaming chips.
10. Late Payment Fee
If you make a late or partial payment, most, (if not all) creditors will charge you a fee. Fees often range depending on your balance; the higher the balance, the higher the fee. Late fees typically range from $20 to $40. Since fees are so high, consider setting up automatic bill payments to help you to avoid making late payments.
11. Over-the-Limit Fees
It pays to pay attention to your balance. Fees for charging over your limit can add up quickly. If you must charge past your current limit, call your credit card company and ask them to raise your limit. Just remember that an increased limit is not a license to spend.
12. Credit Card Rewards
If you pay your card off on time every month, you may find that a rewards card will work well for you. If you do choose a rewards card, remember to choose a card that offers rewards you will actually use.
Finally, remember that not everyone qualifies for every card; this is true even if you receive a “preapproved” offer in the mail. Preapproved offers are still contingent on you meeting the creditor’s qualifications.
Questions about your credit card debt? Connect with a credit counselor for a free, confidential session today.
