Four Reasons Why You Should Own A Credit Card
Credit cards are one of those things which most people have but most people wish they didn’t need but living from one month to the next can be tough in the modern world whether you need it financially or not. I remember as soon as I turned 18 all these options to buy now pay later on products and sign up to credit cards suddenly presented themselves to me and I did snap up a few like when I bought one of my first ‘proper’ digital cameras from Argos on their Buy Now Pay in Six Months schemes.
While not everyone may need a credit card they’re something we should all have as they help us in so many ways.
Have it there for emergencies
We all know the feeling of it being a few days away from payday and being out of food or needing to fill up the car but you’ve only got a fiver to your name. Having a credit card can help in these emergency situations and as long as you’re sensible with them they can give you that safety net to rely on.
Building your credit rating
Credit is one of those annoying things that no credit can sometimes be as frowned upon as no credit so having a credit card and always paying it back on time and not going over your thresholds can be great at showing credit lenders that you’re good at managing your money. This can be especially good if you have bad credit and are looking to build your rating back up, especially as companies such as Vanquis specialise in helping give credit to those with bad credit.
It helps with mortgage applications
When I went for my mortgage application I had to have a financial advisor (one of the perks of going through shared ownership) but by doing this we were able to talk through all of my finances and he said to me how good my credit rating was from various credit accounts and cards that I had had in the past. A mortgage is just a huge loan and banks need to know that you’re good at paying things back and don’t miss payments so I am pretty sure that I was only granted my mortgage because I had taken out previous credit and paid it back.
The rewards you can get
A lot of credit card companies can give you cashback and other rewards just for buying things through them, for example I have an American Express British Airways card and everything I buy gets me Avois points which I can use to book BA flights. Last year me and my boyfriend got our flights home from Venice pretty much free and I am currently saving up for our next holiday.
Do you have a credit card?
15 responses to “Four Reasons Why You Should Own A Credit Card”
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Rhian Westbury
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I never needed a credit card until I had a car. Due to having bad luck with a car we had used up saved money and put it towards a new car which then needed a repair and recovery which in total was just over £1000 if we didn’t have a credit the car wouldn’t of got fixed or towed back the 200 miles home and I couldn’t get the kids to school or myself to work. I have noticed it has boosted my credit score but now we have an added bill every month. I guess it’s swings and roundabouts
There are definitely good reasons to have a credit card, I have one for emergencies and of course to help with my credit rating. When I had a bad one having one really helped get it better.
I have virtually stopped using mine now. I kept forgetting to pay it off. It was great when I was younger though. They actually decreased my limit because I never use it which is a shame
I didn’t have a credit card until I was in my 30s. I remember companies being astonished that I didn’t have one! I prefer paying for things online with my credit card as I’m covered if something doesn’t arrive.
I have 4 credit cards… The one is an Amazon one that I use for my subscribe and save items (I pay the balance each month) and get the Amazon reward points (1000 = £10 amazon voucher). 1 is a 0% balance transfer. 1 is paid off this month and the other with a £200 limit is my small emergencies and rarely gets used.
Credit cards have been vital to build my credit score, without them I was sinking low. But in the last 18 months I’ve really boosted my credit score and have used the Money Saving Expert Credit Club to see which ones I am likely to get.
Totally agree, credit cards are so important, if used in the right way and wisely. I have know friends who have had like 3 credit cards and they have maxed it up to the limit. Hence, its so important to have some self control.
Both Hubby and I got rid of our credit cards years ago and save for the things we want now. I know there are benefits to having but I like not having the temptation to spend money on what we cannot afford
Having a credit card was a great way to improve my credit rating after making some bad financial choices when I was young.
I have only just got a credit card (at 19) but don’t ever use it, hardly any money on there. But I do agree with all that you said.
I didn’t get a credit card until a friend who used to be a bank manager told me to get one to start building credit in case I ever want a loan or mortgage. Good advice! I use mine to make purchases extra safe
I don’t own a credit card just yet, but recently it has been something that has been playing on my mind. My boyfriend has one and it’s always maxed which worries me slightly as I don’t want to find myself in that position. However, looking into the future, I’d like a mortgage etc so I need a credit rating!
Great advice! I didn’t know any of those things! I have a credit card for emergencies or when I want to place a large order on line and only intend on keeping one item!
I used to be a believer in never wanting credit and just paying for things, then I realised I actually needed it for loads of things in life. I now have a credit card that I pay off in full every month and a couple of other things, it really helps with things in ‘adult’ life by having a credit rating x
I totally agree you should have a credit card to build up your credit rating and its useful for emergencies. But at the same time you need to manage it well so that you don’t get into debt.
100% agree, you need to be able to manage it properly which can be the hardest part for some people x