Credit Cards have become the easiest way to build, improve, and maintain your credit score. Some cards offer many benefits and can be a lifeline in an emergency.
Whether you are opening a new credit card account for personal or business expenses, First Independent Bank is here to help you learn how to get the most out of your credit card.
Make Payments On Time
The easiest way to ensure that you use your credit card well and maintain a good credit score is to make payments on time or early. A late payment can affect your credit score and stay on your credit report for several years. The easiest way to keep up with this is to set up automatic payments through your credit card portal or set up bill pay. First Independent Bank offers both of these easy ways to keep up with your monthly payments.
Pay More than the Minimum Payment
While it’s best practice to pay off your credit cards completely each month, sometimes circumstances or unexpected expenses prevent you from being able to do so. If you aren’t able to pay off your card each month, it’s wise to pay more than the minimum. Even if it is just an extra $10, you are saving yourself money on interest in the long run. With the opportunity to pay online or at any of our banking locations, we make it easy for you to make the payments you need when it works best for you.
Use Credit Cards to Track Your Spending
Another easy way to build your credit is to use your credit card to pay your everyday bills such as utilities, internet, and cell phones, or to buy groceries and gas. This is also a great way to track your spending better. You can see clearly how much money is coming out of your account and how much you are spending. You can also make payments immediately after charging to your credit card or every week to keep up with your expenses. There’s no limit to how often you can pay your credit card.
Take Advantage of Card Perks
Every card offers perks that can benefit you, from cash back to travel miles to travel insurance. When you choose a card, remember to choose a bank you can trust with amenities that are right for you. With a business credit card from First Independent Bank, you can expect perks such as no annual fee, travel accident insurance, and locally approved payments. Personal credit cards offer these same benefits, a competitive interest rate, and auto rental insurance.
With card services from First Independent Bank, you can access the world’s most respected credit card from people you know and trust. Our Visa Classic and Gold credit cards are accepted at millions of locations around the globe. To open your new, secure credit card account with your local southwest Minnesota bank, get in touch with a banker today or stop into one of our 11 locations.