credit cards tips | Design Your Finances

Credit card charges refer to the fees, costs, or expenses associated with using a credit card for various transactions and services

Credit cards have become an integral part of modern financial transactions, offering convenience, flexibility, and a wide range of benefits.

However, the true cost of credit cards isn’t always immediately apparent. Beyond annual fees and interest rates, there is a myriad of charges that cardholders may encounter, often without full awareness.

We’ll explore 11 expensive credit card charges that every cardholder should be aware of. From foreign transaction fees and cash advance charges to balance transfer fees and over-limit penalties, these charges can add up quickly and have a substantial impact on your financial well-being.

By understanding these potential expenses, you can make informed decisions about your credit card usage, mitigate unnecessary costs, and use your cards in a way that aligns with your financial goals. So, let’s embark on this journey to discover the various credit card charges that may affect your financial bottom line and empower you to make wiser financial choices.

1. Annual Fees

Some credit cards have an annual fee that cardholders are required to pay for the privilege of using the card.

Annual fees are one of the common credit card charges that cardholders may encounter. These fees are typically charged once a year for the privilege of owning and using a particular credit card. The cost of annual fees can vary significantly depending on the type of card, its benefits, and the credit card issuer. While some credit cards may have no annual fee, others can have fees ranging from a few dollars to several hundred dollars.

For example, a premium travel rewards credit card may come with an annual fee of $450 or more, offering benefits such as airport lounge access, travel credits, and enhanced rewards. On the other hand, a basic credit card with no annual fee may be a more suitable option for individuals looking to minimize costs.

When considering a credit card with an annual fee, it’s important to assess whether the benefits and rewards offered by the card outweigh the cost of the fee. Some cardholders may find that the benefits, such as travel perks or cashback rewards, justify the annual fee.

2. Interest Charges

When you carry a balance on your credit card, you will incur interest charges, which are calculated based on the annual percentage rate (APR) of the card.

Interest charges are one of the most significant costs associated with credit card usage. When you carry a balance on your credit card from month to month, the credit card issuer charges you interest on the outstanding amount. The interest rate, often referred to as the annual percentage rate (APR), can vary based on factors such as your creditworthiness and the type of credit card you have. The higher the APR, the more you will pay in interest charges.

For example, let’s say you have a credit card with an APR of 18% and you have an outstanding balance of $1,000. If you only make the minimum payment each month, it will take you a long time to pay off the balance, and you will end up paying a significant amount in interest charges over time. In this scenario, the interest charges can add up quickly, making it more difficult to pay off your debt.

To minimize interest charges, it’s advisable to pay your credit card balance in full and on time each month. This way, you can avoid carrying a balance and accruing interest. If you can’t pay the full balance, paying more than the minimum payment can help reduce the interest charges. Additionally, considering credit cards with lower APRs or introductory 0% APR offers can be beneficial if you need to carry a balance for a limited time and want to minimize interest costs.

It’s essential to be mindful of interest charges and carefully manage your credit card usage to avoid unnecessary costs and maintain good financial health.

3. Late Payment Fees

If you fail to make the minimum payment by the due date, you may be charged a late payment fee.

Late payment fees are charges imposed by credit card issuers when cardholders fail to make the minimum payment by the due date. These fees can be quite costly and can add up quickly if you consistently miss payments. Late payment fees typically range from $25 to $40, but they can vary depending on the credit card issuer and the terms of the card agreement.

For example, let’s say you have a credit card with a late payment fee of $35, and you miss the payment due date by a few days. If you fail to make the payment before the grace period expires, the credit card issuer will charge you the late payment fee. If you continue to miss payments in subsequent months, you will incur additional late payment fees, increasing the overall cost of using the credit card.

It’s important to be aware of the potential costs associated with late payment fees and to manage your credit card payments responsibly. By making timely payments, you can avoid unnecessary fees and maintain a positive credit history.

4. Over Limit Fees

Over-limit fees are charges imposed by credit card issuers when you exceed your credit limit on a credit card. These fees can be quite costly and can add to your overall credit card debt.

Typically, over-limit fees range from $25 to $35, but the specific amount may vary depending on the credit card issuer and your card agreement. If you attempt to make a purchase that exceeds your credit limit, the credit card issuer may allow the transaction to go through but charge you an over-limit fee.

For example, let’s say you have a credit card with a credit limit of $3,000, and you make a purchase for $3,500, exceeding your credit limit by $500. In this case, your credit card issuer may charge you an over-limit fee of $30. This fee will be added to your outstanding balance, increasing the amount you owe.

Consider setting up alerts or notifications to inform you when your balance is approaching the credit limit. By being mindful of your credit card usage and staying within your credit limit, you can avoid costly over-limit fees and maintain better control over your finances.

5. Cash Advance Fees

When you use your credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM or make a cash advance, you may be charged a fee, which is typically a percentage of the amount withdrawn. When you use your credit card for a cash advance, you’re hit with an upfront fee, which is usually a percentage of the total cash withdrawal.

Furthermore, the interest on cash advances is typically much higher than that on regular credit card purchases, and it often starts accruing immediately, without the usual grace period. This combination of high fees and exorbitant interest rates can quickly lead to a cycle of debt, making cash advances a costly and financially risky option. It’s advisable to explore alternative methods of obtaining cash before resorting to credit card cash advances.

6. Foreign Transaction Fees

When you use your credit card for purchases in a foreign currency or while traveling abroad, you may be charged a fee for the currency conversion. Foreign transaction fees are often considered expensive and unfavorable for travelers and individuals who make international purchases. These fees are typically charged by credit card companies when a transaction occurs in a foreign currency.

First and foremost, they add an extra cost to every purchase made abroad, which can quickly accumulate, making your international expenses significantly more expensive.

Moreover, these fees can be hidden and surprising, as they are not always prominently disclosed to the cardholder. They can also deter individuals from using their credit cards while traveling, leading to the inconvenience of carrying large sums of cash or seeking alternative payment methods.

Overall, foreign transaction fees can make international travel and online shopping less cost-effective and convenient, emphasizing the importance of choosing credit cards that do not impose such charges for global transactions.

7. Balance Transfer Fees

Balance transfers can be seen as both expensive and disadvantageous for several reasons.

Firstly, they often come with balance transfer fees, which can range from 3% to 5% of the amount being transferred. These fees can add up significantly, especially for those with substantial balances, offsetting potential savings from a lower interest rate.

Secondly, while balance transfers can provide temporary relief with a promotional 0% APR period, they can turn into a financial burden if the entire balance isn’t paid off within that timeframe. Once the promotional period expires, the interest rate often increases to the card’s standard rate, which can be considerably high. This can lead to unexpected costs and potentially more significant debt.

Lastly, opening a new credit card for a balance transfer may impact one’s credit score, and if not managed carefully, it can lead to increased credit card debt and a worsened financial situation. Therefore, balance transfers should be approached with caution and a clear repayment plan.

8. Returned Payment Fees

If a payment made towards your credit card is returned due to insufficient funds or other reasons, you may be charged a returned payment fee. Returned payment fees, often charged by credit card companies and other financial institutions, are detrimental for several reasons. Late or missed payments caused by returned payment fees can significantly damage one’s credit score, leading to higher interest rates on loans and credit cards.

9. Top Credit Card Questions

Below are some of the questions that we received in regards to the different types of credit card charges. They are not an exhaustive list, but surely will highlight some areas of concerns and interest.

What are the easiest credit cards to get approved?

The easiest credit cards to get approved for all depends on your credit score. The higher your credit score, the better your chances of getting approved. Your credit score determines the conditions and the type of credit card you can get.

Below are some criteria to consider before applying:

Low Credit Score – Usually with a low credit score you have limited options in getting a credit card. The easiest way if you cannot get approved is to a secured credit card. A secured credit is when the company uses your money and loans it back to you. The secured credit card normally has the same stipulations as a non secured credit card such as interest rate, monthly payment and reporting to credit bureau.

High Credit Score – You normally have better chances of getting approved, the best option is to shop around. You may want to look for credit cards that have “good packages” such as mileages, credit card balance transfers, low interest rate, no annual fees, cash back or mileage points. All the added “packages” add up and can you save money in the long run.

What credit card can I get with a bad credit score?

The best credit card to get when you have a low credit score is a secured or student credit card.

Secured Credit Card – is when you use your own money and have it set up as a loan. Usually, with type of credit card you do have the ability to choose the monthly payment amount you are comfortable with.

Student Credit Card – they usually come with a low approved amount. You can start with one and be diligent in paying off the balance every month. As time passes make sure to monitor your credit score, as it rises shop around for better credit card options.

Can I get a Credit Card with a 450 Credit Score?

Credit scores range from 300 to 800. Depending on what your credit score it determines if you can get approved for a credit card. Usually with a 450 credit score, you may need a secured credit card as getting approved for non secured credit requires a higher score and that may be difficult.

How Can I build a credit if I cannot get a credit card?

The best way to improve and build your credit if you have low credit score is to get a secured credit card. This is the fastest way to start building your credit score. The best advantage of this, you do not need a co-signer.

Another method that helps in building your score is to have a co-signer on a loan. This helps you in establishing your credit as the credit bureaus are getting constant updates about your credit use.

You can also establish credit history by being added to a third party’s existing credit card. The principle is the same, establishing your credit history through third party.

How do you get cash from a credit card?

This is not an advisable solution as it is so expensive. There are additional charges and interest rate applied to the cash you borrowed from your credit card. To get cash from your credit card is usually referred to as cash advance. The best way is to call your bank and request the amount you would like to borrow, after that has been approved they usually advice you to withdraw the money from an ATM. The best method is to contact your credit card company as each company is different.

Can you pay a credit card with a credit?

Technically, you cannot pay a credit card with a credit. The other methods you can use are typically not conventional or widely offered on most credit cards such as:

Cash Back – if you have a credit card that has offers cash back or any other package that you can redeem as cash, then you can easily have that redeemed cash applied to your balance

Cash Advance – this is not a good choice. There are many related charges applied to your account on top of the normal credit card charges. This option allows you to get cash from your credit.

How does credit card work?

For you to get a credit card, you have to be approved first and the type of credit card and interest rate you get, is all depended upon your credit score. The higher your score the better rates you get.

Once you have been approved, you can start using your credit card to pay for your purchases. At the end of your billing cycle, the credit card company will sent you a bill of of the total amount you have spent. You have two options, to either pay the full amount (which usually the best option) or pay the minimum amount stated on your statement.

It is advisable to pay either the full balance or the minimum payment before the due date inorder to avoid additional charges. Additionally, do not go beyond 30 days without payment as this will be reported to the credit bureaus as a late payment. This has a tremendous effect on your credit score rating.

What is a credit card limit?

A credit card limit is the maximum amount your credit company has approved you for. For instance, if you have been approved for $5,000 dollars, this means you are authorized by your credit card company for that amount. You cannot go over that amount, any transactions beyond $5000 dollars, will be declined.

Your good payment history can enable you to have your credit card limit increased. Some credit card company do it automatically, while others you have to call in and request for an increase.

How do you avoid paying interest on a credit card?

You can avoid paying interest on a credit card by not carrying a balance into the next billing cycle. Simply pay all the balance on the account.

How do beginners use credit card?

The best way for beginners to use credit cards and improve their credit score is to:

have a budget
pay off the balance each month
use your credit card, only if you have cash to pay it off
use your card for small amount purchases (gas, electricity) bills that you can easily payoff

Summary

It’s important to review the terms and conditions of your credit card agreement to understand the specific charges and fees associated with your card. By being aware of these charges, you can make informed decisions and manage your credit card usage responsibly.

There are great points to having credit cards, but everything has to be carefully managed. The best approach is to establish your objective of getting one such as, establishing credit, rewards or cash back’s, or increasing credit limit for a rainy day. It perfectly, okay to establish a high credit limit, but strategy and discipline have to be established to payoff the amount. Conduct thorough research on which credit card best suits your needs.

Cheering To Your Success
Brenda | www.DesignYourFinances.com
Let’s Connect on Social Media! | Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram

–

QUOTE OF THE DAY