How to use my credit card?

[uRabbit]

Obviously, I'd be paying the balance in full. Otherwise, I'd be a hypocrite!

Is there a way to check if they charge or not?

[ShawnaC123]

True. But we only spend about $50/mo at Target, while we spend $130/mo in fuel. And 1% on all other purchases would be great too. I am having trouble finding a VISA or MC that does not have an annual fee and has 2% on gas purchases. Discover and AMEX have them, and have American customer service, but AMEX has rotating categories, and neither are accepted widely, which would be nice because we visit hole-in-the-wall/local eateries/coffee shops when we use $ from our treats budget. >.<

Hmm. Idea...

What if I open an account w/ AMEX for the BlueCash Everyday card for the cashback rewards on gas and groceries (from Target), and open a Chase Freedom Visa for the 1% where AMEX is not accepted...? Pretty sure AMEX is accepted everywhere we shop except our local eateries. Does that sound logical?

The Target Visa is no longer available for new customers anyway. You'd have to get the regular store card. Also, if you get the Blue Cash Everyday card, Target isn't going to qualify as groceries because I believe they use the merchant code for "discount store" or something like that. So you'd only be getting the 1% back.

[uRabbit]

Discount store my patootie! Haha. They have good prices but are definitely not a discount store.

Thank you for that info though.

[JoshuaHeckathorn]

The Chase Freedom is a decent no annual fee rewards card. Have you been approved yet? If so, use it responsibly for awhile and you should be able to continue building your FICOs scores until you're in the good-excellent credit range. Then I would look into getting an even better rewards card.

[uRabbit]

The Chase Freedom is a decent no annual fee rewards card. Have you been approved yet? If so, use it responsibly for awhile and you should be able to continue building your FICOs scores until you're in the good-excellent credit range. Then I would look into getting an even better rewards card.

My rating is current 694 (and still shows over $2,000 of debts that have since been paid-off).

I wonder - what cards are better? And yes, I have been approved. Got an email yesterday saying it should arrive shortly.

[maat55]

Obviously, I'd be paying the balance in full. Otherwise, I'd be a hypocrite!

Is there a way to check if they charge or not?

It will be on your bill.

[krantcents]

If you are not receiving any rewards from your credit card, why would you pay a fee?

[danieldroga]

How did you get a credit card if you don't have any idea how to use it? Before getting a credit card you are given an orientation about how are you going to use it and many more.

[uRabbit]

Okay, wow, a lot of flaming going on all of a sudden...

First of all, people, this is an ADVICE forum. Therefore, advice - the giving and receiving of - is what takes place here... Second of all, I do know how to use a credit card. I am not mentally handicapped, after all. However, as my OP points out - I recently paid-off my credit card debt, which obviously points to the fact that I did not use them wisely in the past.

Also, some clues: I have a low post count, therefore, chances are I am new to frugality. I am new, and do not know EVERYTHING there is to know about finances. So I posted here to figure out things I do not necessarily know about credit cards, while at the same time, doing my own research.

And lastly, read my blog. Obviously, I am not entirely unsavvy... Next time, please post something that contributes to the topic at hand, rather than making moot comments.

Have a nice day!

[jteezie]

a few concerns...

Each card application costs you about 5 fico points ... More after 3 hard inquiries. So be careful

However you need a fee free card. Get a visa because it works everywhere. Easier to qualify so less inquiries

[MaxPowers]

To bad you didn't qualify for the Capital One no hassle cash rewards no fee card. I just got done with all my research and found this card was the best for me.
From what Capital One customer service says, Walmart will be counted as groceries if you call them and tell them you spent the money on groceries. Might be a hassle, but if I call them once a month might be worth it. Walmart is also supposedly on their Perk Central thing which has the possibility of getting a higher % as well, but I cant find out until I have my account.
Another good looking card was Citi Forward. Though I do not trust the way they do the points and there was no bonus for gas. But the Citi Forward counts Amazon as a book store, so you get 5% from every amazon purchase.
I didn't like the chase freedom. I don't want to pay attention to what category I am on now, most of the categories are useless to me, so it is basically a 1% card. I guess the cash bonus is good.

[Eric80]

I too use my card for groceries and petrol so that I can keep an eye on it.

[uRabbit]

To bad you didn't qualify for the Capital One no hassle cash rewards no fee card. I just got done with all my research and found this card was the best for me.
From what Capital One customer service says, Walmart will be counted as groceries if you call them and tell them you spent the money on groceries. Might be a hassle, but if I call them once a month might be worth it. Walmart is also supposedly on their Perk Central thing which has the possibility of getting a higher % as well, but I cant find out until I have my account.
Another good looking card was Citi Forward. Though I do not trust the way they do the points and there was no bonus for gas. But the Citi Forward counts Amazon as a book store, so you get 5% from every amazon purchase.
I didn't like the chase freedom. I don't want to pay attention to what category I am on now, most of the categories are useless to me, so it is basically a 1% card. I guess the cash bonus is good.

That was my number 1 choice. Too bad, indeed. But it's okay - I will qualify for almost any card here in a year or two.

We got our Chase Freedom just in time for our Oregon trip. Woohoo!