You don’t hear this often, but it’s true: Credit cards are a great way to save money. Their perks and benefits make using credit cards a great choice, but they are also easily misused.
According to Lending Tree, Americans’ total credit card debt in late 2022 was a whopping $925 billion. That’s a huge number that’s making credit card companies wealthy as their customers pay exorbitant interest rates and other fees.
Many credit cards offer a percentage cash back on everything you buy with their card, while others provide rewards points or miles that can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or even gift cards.
When your credit card detects fraud, the issuer will notify you via text, email, or phone. If you notice fraud on your account, it's essential to report it immediately, as there may be a limited timeframe to report fraud.
One of the best perks of using a credit card is its protection of what you buy – making those extended warranties at big box electronics stores unnecessary.
Some credit cards offer exclusive access to special offers, discounts, additional points, or extra cash back at certain stores and online retailers. These offers can provide significant savings and additional perks on items you buy.