Leveraging Credit Cards to enhance financial wellness

The concept of Credit Cards has revolutionised the world of finance. With the convenience of cashless transactions and the ability to build a robust credit score, Credit Cards have become an integral part of our financial lives. This article aims to shed light on how the appropriate use of Credit Cards can contribute significantly to improved financial health.

The fundamentals of Credit Card functionality

Credit cards work on the principle of revolving credit, allowing the cardholder to borrow money up to a specified limit and repay it over time. Unlike a loan or credit line, Credit Cards don't necessitate collateral or a fixed repayment amount, making them more adaptable and accessible.

When you make a purchase using a Credit Card the bank pays the merchant on your behalf. You then have a grace period, typically between 15 and 45 days, depending on the day you make the purchase, to repay the issuer without incurring interest. If you make the purchase earlier in your billing cycle, your grace period is longer. If you use your card towards the end of your billing cycle, your grace period would be shorter.

If you fail to pay the total balance by the due date, you'll incur interest on the remaining amount, along with penalties for late payments or exceeding your credit limit.

Also Read: 6 benefits of using a Credit Card

The influence of Credit Cards on financial health

1. Building a credit score -A Credit Card is one of the simplest ways to build a credit score. A good credit score makes you eligible for loans and lower interest rates in the future.

2. Making purchases affordable -Credit cards come with EMI options that make high-value purchases more affordable. Why wait to save the entire amount when you can quickly pay in parts?

3. Earning rewards - Every time you use your Credit Card, you can earn points, cashback, or airline miles. You can use these rewards to save money, get discounts on future purchases, or even treat yourself to a free flight or hotel stay. For instance if you use the Indian Oil Axis Bank Credit Card for your UPI transactions, you earn valueback on your spends

4. Convenience and security -Credit cards provide a simple and secure way to make purchases, eliminating the risk of losing cash. Credit cards protect against fraud and unauthorised charges, offering a worry-free shopping experience.

5. Budgeting and expense tracking - Credit Card providers provide monthly statements showing exactly where your money goes, making tracking your expenses and budget easier.

6. Emergency backup -Life is full of unexpected events. Having a Credit Card can be a financial safety net during emergencies, allowing you to handle sudden expenses without feeling overwhelmed.

Also Read: 6 Credit Card Mistakes to Avoid

Enhancing your financial health with Credit Cards

Credit card benefits can be a powerful tool to improve your financial health, provided they are used wisely. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Always try to pay your Credit Card bill on time and in full. If not possible, ensure you at least pay the 'minimum amount due' to avoid any negative impact on your credit score.
• Avoid maxing out your Credit Card. Using only a portion of your available credit keeps your credit utilisation low and helps maintain a good credit score.
• Regularly check your Credit Card statement for any unauthorised charges. By responsibly leveraging your Credit Card benefits, you can unlock a world of financial prudence.

Armed with this knowledge, you're now ready to navigate the world of Credit Cards and their impact on your financial health. Remember, Credit Cards are not just a payment mode; they're a powerful tool that, when used responsibly, can significantly improve your financial well-being.

Conclusion

When used wisely, Credit Cards can be a real game-changer in managing your finances. They offer convenience, security, rewards, and a pathway to build a strong credit score. The Axis Bank Credit Card, with its exciting Credit Card offers and Axis Edge Rewards stands as a great example. So, why wait? Embrace the power of Credit Cards and embark on your journey to improved financial health today!

Disclaimer: This article is for information purpose only. The views expressed in this article are personal and do not necessarily constitute the views of Axis Bank Ltd. and its employees. Axis Bank Ltd. and/or the author shall not be responsible for any direct / indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision