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Even if there is no cash in your wallet, you can still spend money that you might not have even earned yet. Credit cards have added power to your wallet, but also peril. Using your cards wisely can mean the difference between pulling your hair out because of the monthly bill or flying away to exotic destinations. Read on for sound strategies that will help you to use your cards wisely.

If you have a credit card, add it into your monthly budget. Budget a specific amount that you are financially able to put on the card each month, and then pay that amount off at the end of the month. Try not to let your credit card balance ever get above that amount. This is a great way to always pay your credit cards off in full, allowing you to build a great credit score.

Read, memorize and then, understand the terms and conditions of each and every credit card you have. Know what the interest rate is, as well as, what each fee is and have the payment and bill cycles marked on your calendar. Doing this means there will be no surprises when it comes to your card.

Keep your credit card spending to a small percentage of your total credit limit. Usually 30 percent is about right. If you spend too much, it'll be harder to pay off, and won't look good on your credit report. In contrast, using your credit card lightly lessens your stress, and can help improve your credit score.

Only carry credit cards that you intend on using with you. This way, you are able to track them all should one go missing. Credit and identity theft are becoming increasingly common, so it is important to know the location of your credit cards at all times. If you think a credit card is missing, contact the credit card company immediately and ask that they cancel your card.

You should try and limit the number of credit cards that are in your name. Too many credit cards is not good for your credit score. Having several different cards can also make it more difficult to keep track of your finances from month to month. Try and keep your credit card count between two and four.

Do not make purchases with your credit card for things that you can not afford. Credit cards are for things that you purchase regularly or that fit into your budget. Making grandiose purchases with your credit card will make that item cost you a great deal more over time and will put you at risk for default.

Do your research on the best rewards cards. Whether you are interested in cash back, gifts, or airline miles, there is a rewards card that can really benefit you. There are many out there, but there is a lot of information available online to help you find the right one. Be careful to not carry a balance on these rewards cards, as the interest you are paying can negate the positive rewards effect!

Never do a balance transfer for the wrong reasons. If you have checked out all of the details and it sounds good, you have to make sure it is still worth the hassle. How long have you been with the other company and how much money is this going to save you?

Credit cards let you spend someone else's money, on the condition that you are paying them back starting in a few weeks. The interest rates can ruin your future, or the reward points can brighten your coming months. To fall on the side of that divide that you want, apply what you have learned in this article.