Consumer Information: Credit Cards
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How do credit cards work, and how should you use them properly?
The information below is provided as a public service from Debt-Tips.com. All of the information comes from various organizations, U.S. government agencies and departments. As a consumer, you owe it to yourself to know as much as possible about debt, credit, taxes, mortgages, banking – and avoiding related scams.
The information on this page involves credit cards. Using credit cards is very convenient. However, if you don't use them properly, you can get yourself deep into debt, and ruin your credit. Knowing how credit cards work is very important, especially with all the ads and mailings most people receive every day.
Learn how to qualify for a credit card, how to establish a credit history, how to get the best deal, and how to protect your credit:
Credit Matters
A credit card is a great financial tool. It can be more convenient to use and carry than cash, and it offers valuable consumer protections under federal law. At the same time, it's a big responsibility. If you don't use it carefully, you may owe more than you can repay, damage your credit rating and create credit problems for yourself that can be difficult to fix.
Chances are your mail is full of offers from credit card issuers. How do you know if the time is right for a credit card? Here is some important information that may help you determine whether you're ready for plastic, what to look for when you select a company to do business with, and how to use your credit card responsibly.
Read the entire article: Credit Matters
From: "Credit Matters". Consumer Information Center. 2/9/05. U.S. General Services Administration. http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/money/credit-report/rscredit.htm