No matter whether you want to buy something or need instant cash urgently, credit cards come as a real saviour in such situations. But if you are a shopaholic or a person who does frequent spending then one credit card might not be enough for you. Let’s take an example to understand.
Imagine you’re at a buffet with a plate that’s not so big to hold all the food items. Just like one plate isn’t enough to hold multiple eateries, you will need two or 3 extra plates to cover your main course meals, starters, and some sweets and beverages. Similarly, having multiple credit cards can help you manage a multitude of expenses more efficiently.
But here’s the catch!
Remember that, like a buffet, overloading your credit cards comes with a unique set of challenges that could be difficult to handle sometimes. If you don’t keep track of spending, debt can accumulate rapidly. And most importantly, paying off these bills could be daunting, especially when you are dealing with other financial responsibilities.
In this post, we’ll discuss the top tips to manage multiple credit cards with ease and avoid debt of any kind.
Multiple Credit Cards Management - 7 Easy Tips to Consider
Let’s take a look at the top 7 tips to manage your credit cards without running into debts and penalties.
- Keep an Eye on Bill Payment Dates
One of the best ways to manage your multiple credit cards is to stay on top of your bill payment dates. Keep in mind that every bank has a specific date for generating your credit card bill, which may vary from one provider to another. If you have cards from different banks, it can be tricky to remember all the due dates. To prevent such kinds of situations, ensure you set reminders on your smartphone or enable automatic payment to avoid late fees or missed payments.
- Set a Realistic Budget & Track Your Spending
When it comes to managing your credit cards effortlessly, you will need to avoid overspending and set a realistic budget that considers your income, fixed expenses, and saving goals. Make sure you allocate a certain amount for your miscellaneous spending and monitor your expenses closely. If possible, you can download apps or spreadsheets to help track your spending and highlight areas where you can cut back to ensure you stay within your means.
- Don’t Forget to Enable Account Alerts
Another best way to manage your credit cards is to enable account alerts, which can help you be notified about important credit card activities such as upcoming bills, due dates, low balance alerts, and more. These alerts can occur via texts or emails and will remind you to take action when needed.
- Restrict the Number of Cards
It is the most difficult yet most important aspect of credit card management. While there is no right number of credit cards to own, ensure you don’t overdo it. There is no denying that too many credit cards could be difficult to manage and cost you money in annual fees which is frustrating for some people. However, if you miss payments or don’t pay the full balance, it can lead to late fees and attract hefty interest charges.
- Try to Maintain a Strong Credit Score
Another way to manage multiple credit cards is to maintain a strong credit score. If you want to maintain a good credit score, then ensure you pay your bills on time, keep balances low, and use credit cards wisely to showcase financial disciplines. Remember that a strong score may lead to better loan terms, low interest rates, and abundant financial opportunities. Always check your credit score and report for accuracy and areas of improvement.
- Capitalize Credit Card Benefits & Rewards
One of the effective ways for credit card management is to try to make the most out of your rewards and perks offered by credit cards, such as discounts, cashbacks, reward points, and airline miles. Ensure you use your cards efficiently to maximize these benefits while staying within your budget. Avoid unnecessary purchases just to earn rewards, as this can negate the benefits in the long run.
- Always Review Your Credit Cards Statement
Last but not least, you should regularly review your credit card statement to ensure all changes are accurate and legitimate. Spare some time and look for unauthorized transactions or billing errors and report them promptly. When you do so, you can easily stay on top of your spending, detect fraudulent activity and make necessary adjustments to align with your budget and financial goals.
Conclusion
So, there you have it!! That’s a wrap-up to the tips to manage your credit cards wisely! When you follow these tips mentioned above, you can take complete advantage of the benefits your card offers while keeping your finances in check. With careful planning and disciplined management, you can enjoy the perks of multiple credit cards without the stress of debt and missed payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are the frequently asked questions related to the management of multiple credit cards.
Well, it is best to keep your unused cards open. It will benefit you with a longer credit history and a higher amount of available credit which can improve your credit score.
If you want to manage two credit cards, try to keep your spending under control. Ideally, you should not use more than 30% of your credit limit on each card.
Yes, you can pay your credit card bill on time and as often as you like, even daily. However, you should always pay your dues on time to avoid late fees.
No, there is no restriction on the number of credit cards you can own in India. Most people find it easier to manage at least two cards, one with standard benefits and another with spend-based offers.
No, having multiple credit cards will not impact your credit score. However, to maintain a healthy credit score, ensure you use them wisely, not more than 30% of the available credit on each card.
