A guide to your first credit card

Getting your first credit card can be fun but that doesn't mean that you should just instantly go out and spend with it. While a credit card can help with your credit rating, it can also damage it. You should have one for emergencies so that you can get home if your car breaks down or you have money to book a hotel room if you're stranded.

Shop around for the best deal

Like when you shop around for the best deal on clothes, you should shop around for the best deal on your credit cards. There are a variety of 0 interest credit cards available. However, do remember that these only last for a limited time.
Look out for deals and offers Something that you should do is look out for credit cards that will offer the no interest credit cards for the lifetime of the card. This will usually mean that you need to spend a set amount each month. You can do this by purchasing something that you would usually buy and then pay the balance off at the end of each month. This will also aid your credit rating.

Check all of the terms and conditions

Before you sign on the dotted line for your credit cards, you should look into all of the terms and conditions. This is not just about looking at the minimum repayments and your charges. In fact, this also includes anything about credit card transfers and about balance transfers. This will help you stay up to date on any bank account changes so you know that you can afford to use your card. Don't go over your limit All cards will have a credit limit. Your first credit card will usually have a fairly small limit because you've not had the chance to prove that you can borrow and pay back money. Author's advice You should stick to this limit because you will have excess charges for going over. After some time, you will be able to apply for extra on your limit. There will be conditions for this and you will need to check your provider's terms before you apply. These can include the fact that you have never gone over your limit in the past or that you have always paid the minimum amount on time.