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How to Tailor Your Credit Cards to Your Spending Habits

June 29, 2009

It’s easy to offer credit card advice–don’t run up debt, pay them off every month, don’t keep too many credit cards, etc. But the fact is that not everyone uses credit cards in the same way, because not everyone spends in the same way. Different people have different reasons for using credit cards, and blanket advice doesn’t always work for everyone.

Fortunately, credit cards can often be tailored to your own personal spending habits by choosing, and using, cards with features that work for you. Let’s look at a few “spending personalities” and what credit card features might work best with their spending habits.

The No-Debt, Necessity Spender

If you’re this kind of spender, you refuse to build up any actual debt. You use your credit cards predominantly to pay for necessities (utility bills, petrol, groceries, and other everyday expenses). You don’t worry about interest rates, because you pay off your bill each month in full to avoid paying interest at all.

What you should look for: interest free days (like the Aussie credit card)

The Balance-Carrier

Some people apply for a credit card for the sole purpose of using them for large purchases, so they can pay them off over time (such as a new living room set or annual family holiday). Does this sound like you? If so, you probably don’t care about interest free days, because you want to spread out those payments over more time. For you the key is to minimise anything extra you may pay when paying off that balance.

What you should look for: low interest credit cards (like the HSBC Low Rate Visa card)

The Bonus Builder

For these spenders, it’s all about the rewards. They’ll often use their credit cards for large expenses all throughout the year (whether or not they pay off the balances each month). If you’re this kind of spender, one of your top considerations is the type of rewards card available. You should also keep an eye on special bonus points programmes (such as earning double rewards points for shopping with a specific company), and any rewards limits (either monthly or yearly). Rewards cards often carry a hefty annual membership fee as well.

What you should look for: targeted rewards and a low (or no) fee card (like the CUA Rewards credit card)

Credit card companies earn their profits through the interest and fees cardholders like you pay. You can minimise the amount you’re charged by simply tailoring your credit card choices to your personal spending habits. Figure out whether low interest, low fees, or interest free days are most likely to save you money, and let that help you decide which credit cards to use and which credit cards to close.

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