Top ten credit card tips

Despite credit becoming tighter it makes sense to ensure that you're still getting the best deal you can on your credit card and Defaqto have compiled ten tips to help consumers find the best deal and to avoid the pitfalls.

1. How to choose

If you're not going to repay the entire balance every month concentrate on the interest rates charged, a 0% deal or a low standard rate, rather than any rewards. Interest payments will almost always outweigh any potential rewards.

If you are sure that you can repay the entire balance every month focus on rewards that are offered such as cash-backs or air miles.

2. Use different cards for different purposes

If you open a card to do a 0% balance transfer do not use the new card for purchases. This is because many of the companies allocate repayments to the cheapest debt first so your repayments will have to clear any balances on which they charge the lowest rate before they're allocated to the items on which they charge higher interest. Even if the offer is 0% for 12 months for balance transfers and 0% for 3 months for purchases don't use it for purchases. Get a different card for ongoing purchases.

3. Watch out for fees

Look out for balance transfer fees. Sadly they're now charged on just about all 0% balance transfer deals so make sure that you compare the fees. Typically they're in the region of 2.5% to 3% and most now have no cap on the maximum fee.

4. Plan ahead

Diarise about six weeks before any introductory credit card offer that you're enjoying is about to end and at that time see if you can take advantage of another introductory offer elsewhere.

5. Don't just pay the minimum

Even if you don't clear your entire outstanding balance every month, try to pay back more than the minimum monthly repayment. If you only repay the minimum amount every month your debt will last longer. If the monthly interest rate charged is 1.50% and you repay 2% of the outstanding balance every month it would take you 29 years 6 months to repay a £1,000 balance even if you did no other spending on it. If you repaid 5% of the outstanding balance each month you would clear it in just 7 years 4 months.

6. Use direct debit

Try to avoid incurring default penalties. These are generally set at about £12 and typically occur if your monthly payment is made after the due date, if you exceed your credit limit or if there's a returned payment. To minimise the risk of incurring a default fee see if you can make repayments by direct debit and monitor your balance and spending in relation to your credit limit.

7. Overseas use

If you're going to use your card abroad get one that doesn't charge a fee on foreign transactions. Most charge between 2.75% and 3%. There are some cards that don't charge a fee; these currently include those offered by Nationwide Building Society and the Post Office.

8. Avoid cash advances

Try to avoid using your card to get cash advances. OK it's an easy way to get cash but it's expensive: you'll get charged a fee (typically 2% - 3%) and a fairly high interest rate from the date of the cash advance.

9. Review and change

The credit card industry doesn't reward loyalty. The best deals are normally restricted to new customers. If you have a good credit rating it pays to check that your card is still offering the best deal every 12 months or so. Do this whether you're paying interest or enjoying rewards. With many card providers if you close your account, rather than just let it become dormant, you will potentially be treated as a new customer again after about six to nine months. If you find it difficult to obtain a new card think carefully before you close an existing one: you may not be able to get a replacement.

10. Beware of fraud

Credit card fraud is not unusual. Check that all the items on your statement are yours and if you suspect anything speak to your card issuer. Cover your hand when you're inputting your PIN to minimise the risk of your number being seen. If you're out shopping on the high street it's also worth putting a bit of masking tape over the 3 digit security number on the reverse of your card.

David Black, Principal Consultant for Banking at Defaqto says: "Credit is getting harder to obtain nowadays but this should not deter existing customers from checking that their credit card still offers the best deal. The market is awash with introductory offers and if you have a good credit rating then it's likely that you could find a better offer elsewhere."