Credit Card Smarts

Credit cards are convenient and safe, and some offer consumer protection plans and even cash-back and charitable contribution plans.

You can maintain your good credit history by using credit cards responsibly.  Avoid high - cost impulse purchases, control others' use of the card, and make your payments on time, complying with the lender's terms and conditions.

Maintaining a good credit history also means monitoring your credit card account carefully.

• Read the contract so that you understand your financial responsibility and privacy rights.  Beware of mandatory arbitration claims that limit you legal rights if you have a dispute with the card company.  Some marketers can make you prey to unsolicited direct - marketing letters and telemarketing phone calls.
• Sign and register new cards upon receipt.
• Guard against credit card fraud by treating your card number, Social Security number, and personal identification number as though they were cash.  Never disclose information to anyone you don't want to have it.  Dispose of receipts carefully.
• Read monthly invoices and periodic reports and letter carefully.  Look for mistakes, special offers, changes in policy, and other information.
• Contest inproper billing items immediately in writing.