I have numerous charge cards and use them on a regular basis
BUT... (notice it’s a big BUT).. I never let my balance carry forward. I pay off all my cards each month so I have no interest charges or late fees.

One thing you must be very careful to check the items on your charge card. I got a call from a solicitor using the name of a charge card I had. They offered me something and I refused. Low and behold..the following month this item, a travel service, was on my charge card. If I hadn’t checked my bill, this item would have slid through and I would have been out the $79.95. But, I called and cancelled this service immediately. I also registered a complaint about this illegal practice.

Another thing to keep in mind is never, never pay an annual fee. If a credit company charges you an annual fee, cancel it. There are dozens of others who will give you cards without charging this fee.

Additionally, there are cards that offer you a percentage return on all your purchases. I try to use this card whenever I shop since I get a nice check at the end of a year. I do use my charge card for my food shopping because I get that 1% back at the end of a year.

The most important thing is to never use your charge card to buy something you wouldn’t buy for cash. It can get you into a great deal of trouble. Control is the key to happy credit card use.

Good luck.

Claire