How to Protect Your Credit

Since you have checked less than 4 responses to our quiz than you should be aware that your credit is important. We have listed some of the ways to protect your credit in addition we have also made available some information to find out more about credit cards and credit card debt. Below we have listed a few things you can do to protect your credit.

• Start an budget and always stay within your budget.
  
  
• If you max out your card, don't start another credit card. Payoff your current credit card.
  
  
• Avoid frequent trips to the ATM. Many charge fees of $1.50 or more just to use them.
  
  
• Avoid high fee ATMs located at highway rest areas, night clubs, airports, gas stations, etc.
  
  
• Pay your balance in full if possible, to avoid paying interest.
  
  
• Avoid paying the minimum payment, try to send more or it will take many years to pay off the debt.
  
  
• Avoid using your credit card for cash advances. Transaction fees interest fees will be applied to your card.
  
  
• Never take out cash advances on your credit card to pay for another card bill.
  
  
• When dining with friends, don't pay the bill with your credit card and collect the cash from your friends.
  
  
• When buying clothes, CD's and dining out, consider using a debit card instead of a credit card.
  
  
• If the credit card company sends you checks to "pay off your debt," don't use them, they are treated a cash advances.
  
  
• Always read the fine print on balance transfer checks, they may be treated as cash advances.
  
  
• Use prepaid SmartCards around campus for meals, laundry, vending machines, etc.
  
  
• Don't use your credit card to buy groceries. Consider using your debit card instead.
  
  
• Think twice before filing for bankruptcy, it stays on your records for years. Talk to a non profit credit counseling service first.
  
  
• Leave plenty of room on your card for emergencies. You never know when you'll need the extra money.

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