0% Credit Cards in the UK
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Brand
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How
Do Credit Cards Affect Credit Rating? |
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According to many financial advisors, most people have trouble handling credit cards. Running up credit card debt is a sure way to negatively affect your credit rating. A recent survey showed that most people carry between five and ten credit cards. Some people have more than 15! A general rule, say some financial experts, is to have two to six credit cards. The fewer the better, although you do need to have some to keep up a good credit score. Too many, though, and you will lose credit points. The problem that most people have with credit cards is that they run up their cards to the maximum limits. Then, they need another card to charge on, so they get a new card. People keep going until they run their credit score down so low that they can’t get another card. You should always try to stay as close to zero balance as possible each month on each card. You can use your credit cards for purchases; just remember that you must pay off the balance before the interest charges start to accrue. You should try to keep your store credit cards down to one or two at the most. Each time you open a store charge card you lose about 20 points off your credit score. If you must have a department store card, choose wisely. Many stores have special offers and coupons limited to their credit card users as an incentive to keep their card. Some people think that
the more credit cards they have the better.
This is simply not true.
You are most likely going to hurt, rather than help, your credit
score with each additional card.
The credit scores take into consideration how much credit is allowed
and how much of that credit is used.
They see how long you carry a balance.
Paying the balance down monthly gives good credit points.
Keeping a high balance on one or more cards makes your score go
down. Having credit cards that you don’t use also will end up hurting
your credit score. A general rule of thumb is to carry a balance not more than
50% of your total available credit.
For example, if you have a credit limit of £5000 on a credit
card, you should have a balance of no more than £2500 at any given
time. |
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Kinds of Cards |
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Copyright 2008 0% Credit Cards UK Guide Articles
By Kate Spencer. All rights reserved |
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