Shopping with credit cards can give you a distinct advantage over shopping with cash or checks. Credit cards are generally safer than cash and faster to use than checks. Depending on the type of credit card you have, your card can be virtually universally accepted. You can make smarter choices when shopping with credit cards to make them work for you, rather than against you. Shopping with credit cards is a good way to track your spending and control your finances.
Step 1
Choose a card that will work for you. If you shop often, choose a card that gives rewards, like a percentage of cash back or points that you can use toward larger purchases. Look at credit card offers carefully before choosing one, then pick one with low rates, low fees and big perks.
Step 2
Use one major account for your shopping purchases. While you may have a variety of credit cards available to you, keep all of your purchases on one card so they are easier to track. Avoid spreading purchases out on several cards so that you can buy more. It's a good idea to have an "everyday" card that you use for shopping, and other cards that are used just for emergencies.
Step 3
Refrain from making impulse buys with your credit card. Credit cards don't let you physically see the money coming out of your account or wallet, so it is easier to spend with them without the guilt. Always carefully consider a purchase and shop around to make sure that you're getting a good deal.
Step 4
Keep your credit card balance around 30 percent of the card's limit. Even when you have a fairly large limit, running up your total can hurt your credit score. Never purchase things that you can't pay for in a month; a good rule of thumb is to always pay off your credit card each billing cycle to avoid incurring interest.
Step 5
Carry a form of government-issued photo identification with you when shopping with your credit card. Even if you've signed the back of your card, as per the card instructions, store clerks may still ask for photo I.D. for security verification. If you shop without it, you may not to be able to purchase the things you want.
Step 6
Shop online with your credit card in safety. Only buy from reputable online stores that display a Trust-E and VerisSign logo, denoting that the website has been found worthy of these two signs of information security. Read reviews about stores carefully before you give them your personal and credit card information.
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