Do you need a solid strategy for managing credit card spending? You can pay down your credit card balance, track your spending and get the most out of your card benefits. Here’s how.
Many credit cards offer perks such as large sign-up bonuses, free travel, and enhanced security protection for purchases. However, you need to be aware of potential drawbacks such as high interest rates for those with high credit limits and balances that could lead to excessive spending.
It is important to understand how to manage credit card spending. You need to understand all options, whether you are looking to pay off a balance, plan a strategy to manage multiple credit cards or prove that you are responsibly using credit.
Here’s how you manage your credit card spending. Choose a strategy, track purchases, and then move on with a clean slate.
How to control credit card spending
Your goals will determine how you manage credit card spending.
The majority of people have one or both of these goals.
- Reduce their credit card debt
- Keep their debt-free lifestyle
These strategies will help you manage your spending, regardless of what category you fall into.
You can pay off your credit card debts
You are not the only one with a credit card balance. Recent data from the Federal Reserve shows that 50% credit card holders had a credit card balance at least once between 2020 and 2021.
Are you ready to pay off your credit card debt? Here are the steps to get it done.
Plan to reduce your debt
There are many ways to pay down your debt. These are just a few of the most popular strategies.
To avoid late fees and lower credit scores, you must pay the minimum amount due on each balance.
- Debt snowball – This strategy mimics the momentum of a snowball rolling downhill. The ball becomes larger and faster each time it goes. You must pay off your smallest debt first. If you have two credit card balances of $200 and $2,000 respectively, then pay the $200 first. Next, use this momentum to pay off the $2,000 balance.
- Debt avalanche – To use this strategy, you can make additional payments to your credit card debt according to the interest rates. Focus first on the highest interest rate balance, then move to the next highest rate until you have paid off all of your debt. Because you deal with the highest interest rates first, you will pay less interest.
- Additional payments – If you aren’t ready to commit to one or more of these plans, consider making an additional monthly payment. You can still save interest fees by making part of your minimum monthly payment earlier in the month, and the rest on the due date.
- Debt management program – To repay your debt, you can work with a non-profit credit counseling agency. If your credit card debt is too large or you are unable to make the minimum payments, this strategy may be an option. Counselors can help you work with lenders to develop a realistic payment plan that fits your budget.
How to track credit card spending
It is easy to lose track if you have multiple cards.
You can track your credit card spending for two reasons: it helps you understand what you are spending and helps you avoid overspending.
- Make it digital with apps – There are two types of apps that can track money: those that sync to your accounts to track purchases, and those that mimic spreadsheets but require manual updates. Your personal preferences will determine which app is best for you. However, tracking apps can be a great way to track your spending if you use your smartphone to do tasks.
- Use spreadsheets – to update by hand. There’s still a place for pen and paper, or a keyboard and mouse method of tracking expenses. Spreadsheets demand accountability as you must review each purchase you make before you add it. It also provides a snapshot of your spending over the past weeks, months, or years.
- Receive reminders with text alerts – Many banks offer text alerts for purchases made using your card. These alerts will tell you the cost of each item and where it was purchased. Although alerts are a great first step, you may still need to keep track of expenses using a spreadsheet or an app.
Consolidate your debt
Consolidate your credit card debt if it is spread across multiple accounts. This is where you combine loan amounts or transfer the balances to another lender.
Balance transfers are a popular method of consolidating debt. You transfer your balance from one credit card to another with a 0% APR. You’ll pay transfer fees and the introductory rate will only be valid for a limited time.
Consolidating debt is not for everyone. If you don’t adhere to the plan and pay your balance by the end of the introductory rate, you could pay more interest.
If you are unable to pay your current balances or your card has high interest rates, this strategy is often the best. Consolidating your credit card payments from different accounts might be a good option. It is best to be able to commit to the new repayment schedule and plan.
Your credit card debt will be paid
It’s a good idea, even if you have paid off your credit cards or never had any balances, to still use your card responsibly and take advantage of the card perks.
If you don’t have any balance, here’s how to manage credit card spending.
- Get rewards programs. Many credit cards offer a variety of perks such as hotel vouchers, airline points, reimbursement for Global Entry application fees, access to lounges and cash back on purchases. To use the rewards, you don’t have to maintain a balance. Instead, pay the full amount and cash in the perks.
- Keep track of your spending. To avoid fraud and keep your budget in check, it’s a smart idea to keep track of your spending. It’s even more important if you have multiple credit card accounts. Credit card tracker apps are here to help. These apps make it easy to manage and view all of your credit cards from one place. This makes it easier to track purchases and avoid missing payments.
- Make sure you pay your entire balance each month. No matter what your credit history is with credit card debt, it is important to pay off your balance each month in full. You can avoid interest fees and late fees as well as negative credit scores by paying in full.
- Don’t forget to pay. You should pay your bill within 30 days to avoid it being reported to credit bureaus. Contact your bank to inquire about a waiver of the late fee.
- Create an emergency fund. Credit cards and emergency funds go hand in hand. Unexpected expenses are part of everyday life. If you don’t have an account for savings, you could end up in debt if you use your credit card to pay the bill.