How to Use Credit Cards Responsibly and Avoid Debt?

Posted on Monday, August 21st, 2023 | By IndusInd Bank

We all know that Credit cards are extremely convenient and rewarding, but they can also lead to debt and financial stress if not used wisely. That’s why you should always plan and use your Credit Cards responsibly to not fall into a debt trap. If you want to enjoy the benefits of credit cards without falling into the trap of debt, here are some tips to help you use them responsibly: 
 

• Always pay your bill on time  
  This is the golden rule of credit card use. Paying your bill in full and on time every month will help you avoid interest charges, late fees, and damage to your credit score. It will also keep your balance low and prevent you from spending more than you can afford. To make sure you don’t miss a payment, you can set up automatic payments from your bank account or use reminders and alerts. You can also pay more than once a month if it helps you manage your cash flow better. 
   
• Never use your credit card impulsively 
  Credit cards can make it tempting to buy things that you don’t really need or want, especially when there are sales, discounts, or rewards involved. However, these impulse purchases can quickly add up and create unnecessary debt. To avoid this, only use your credit card for planned and budgeted purchases that you can pay off in full. Before you buy something with your credit card, ask yourself if you really need it, if you can afford it, and if you would buy it with cash. 
   
• Stay below your credit limit 
  Your credit limit is the maximum amount of money that you can borrow on your credit card. It is not a target or a goal that you should try to reach. In fact, using too much of your available credit can hurt your credit score and make it harder to pay off your debt. As a general rule, try to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%. This means that you should not use more than 30% of your credit limit at any given time. For example, if your credit limit is ₹50,000, you should not have more than ₹15,000 in outstanding balance on your card. To keep your credit utilization ratio low, you can pay off your balance frequently, request a higher credit limit, or use multiple cards with lower balances. 
   
• Understand your credit card terms and conditions 
  Credit cards come with different features, fees, and interest rates that can affect how much you pay and how you use them. It is important to read and understand your credit card terms and conditions before you apply for or use a card. 
  The key things that you need to watch out for are: 

• The annual percentage rate (APR), which is the interest rate that you will pay on any unpaid balance. 
• The grace period, which is the number of days that you have to pay off your balance in full before interest is charged. 
• The minimum payment, which is the lowest amount that you have to pay each month to avoid late fees and keep your account in good standing. 
• The fees, such as annual fee, late payment fee, foreign transaction fee, cash advance fee, etc. 
• The rewards, such as cash back, points, miles, etc., and how to earn and redeem them. 

By knowing these details, you can choose a credit card that suits your needs and avoid any surprises or extra charges. 

• Choose a credit card that matches your lifestyle and goals 

Not all credit cards are created equal. Some may offer more benefits or rewards than others, but they may also have higher fees or interest rates. Some may be more suitable for certain types of spending or saving than others. Therefore, it is important to choose a credit card that matches your lifestyle and goals. For example: 

• If you travel frequently, you may want a credit card that offers travel rewards, such as the IndusInd Bank Club Vistara Explorer Credit Card with multiple travel and lifestyle benefits. 

• If you want to earn reward points to make big savings on your lifestyle needs, you can check out the IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge Credit Card that gives you the flexibility to earn rewards as per your lifestyle choices. 
• If you want to build or improve your credit score, you may want a credit card that  has a low or no annual fee, like the Lifetime Free Credit Cards from IndusInd Bank. 

 
You can also check out other credit cards from IndusInd Bank here for some of the best credit cards in India that offer attractive features and benefits for different needs. 

Conclusion 

Credit cards are powerful financial tools that can help you achieve your goals and enjoy life. However, they also come with responsibilities and risks that require careful management and discipline. By following the tips shared above, you can use credit cards responsibly and avoid debt. 

And if you want credit cards with incredible rewards & benefits, you can apply for an IndusInd Bank Credit Card with a 100% digital process & instant approval.  

Apply Now 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. Hence, you are advised to consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision. IndusInd Bank Limited (IBL) does not influence the views of the author in any way. IBL and the author shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information.