Ease of use, convenience and a high degree of flexibility have won credit cards massive and growing popularity in Australia. Credit cards look set to remain one of the most widely used and accepted forms of payment next to cash and cheques.
Credit cards are also at the forefront of new technology, with online transactions increasing as consumers embrace internet banking and shopping.
The major benefit of credit cards is their convenience. Payments can be made easily – in shops, over the phone or on the internet, and when you have a card there’s no need to carry around large amounts of cash.
While it’s not hard to see why so many people use credit cards, it’s important to also understand how to use them wisely.
By carefully choosing the most suitable card for you, and being disciplined with your card, using credit can be an easy and relatively inexpensive way of paying for day to day items as well as expensive purchases.
On the other hand, due to the sheer availability of credit cards and offers of pre-approved increases in credit limits, it can be easy to fall into a debt trap if credit cards are not managed properly.
Contents
Introduction
Operating your credit card
How do credit cards work?
Which credit card?
Managing your credit card
Understanding statements
Value Added Features
Security
Travelling with credit cards
Reward schemes
You are not alone
how credit unions can assist
with credit cards
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PDF Ebook Play your cards right A guide to managing credit cards
