Lots of us face this question if we’re in the position to access new credit, and that is what type of credit do you choose? There are several different types of credit extended in numerous ways. For instance there are charge cards which usually don’t set a limit BUT require payment in full every 30 days. Next you have your simple credit cards, where a limit is set and you’re allowed to pay that back in minimum payments if you so choose BUT you also pay lots more interest over time. There are some credit cards that offer 0% interest for your first 12-18 months so it’s best to know what to do. Then of course there is the mortgage for your home or personal line of credit. This type of credit or loan usually comes with origination fees along with interest that is paid back to the lender over time. Depending on what your current credit situation is these fees mentioned above could be higher or lower or irrelevant altogether.
Let’s discuss the Charge Card and Credit Card scenario. First off a charge card will allow you to spend what you need to on purchases. When the lender for a charge card issues credit typically there is no set limit, however they do closely monitor you’re spending to minimize their risk of loss. You do need to pay the credit used back at the end of every month in order to eliminate late fees or closure of the account. Credit cards play a different role. This type of credit issued by a bank or private lender has a set limit after signup. Meaning the lender will look at your credit score and decide how much they are willing to allow you to use before they feel you’re too high of a risk. Some of these credit cards start out low but can quickly have limits raised over time by showing excellent payment history. Remember you can roll this type of credit month to month as long as you don’t miss your monthly payments. Keep in mind you NEVER want to use more than 30% of your available credit. When this happens 2 key things happen:
1) Your credit score drops no doubt about it.
2) Your now looked at as high risk to lenders by using too much credit.
It certainly is a cat and mouse game on knowing how much credit to ask for and how much credit to use – believe me I know. It can be tough. You don’t want to fall into these categories it can be hard to dig out once you do.
Finally let’s talk about the personal loan or line of credit. I have seen this type of credit become what most folks go after; I assume they just heard something and don’t really get it. When deciding what type of extended credit you need the first question asked should be what do I need the line of credit for? There are a few distinct differences you need to be aware of. If you’re doing a home remodel or need to fix some landscaping or build a garage, do you know what type of credit you need to get? A line or credit will have origination fees, interest rates, additional fees and a set term(s) for repayment. This will be true for a credit card except you can get interest free credit lines for up to 24 months in some cases. You can also get a lower interest rate depending on your credit score. Also your ability to show lenders you can pay back the debt with no stress will certainly play well for your case.
Whatever road you travel in life it’s important to be informed. It’s important to do the research and fully understand the situation you’re getting into. I included in this, we all want things yesterday and rush into situations. When we look back we all understand it could’ve been better for us had we took a little more time and did a little more research. That’s okay. Doing nothing gets nothing. Don’t expect life to just present you the answers to your questions, you need to find them yourself. Don’t think you won’t understand or can’t know. We all have the ability to find out. I hope you find your answers. Don’t give up. Only a small percent make it because only a small percent put forth the effort. It’s not science its common sense.