Small Business Finance :: Articles

Five Worst Credit Card Mistakes

What are the five worst credit card mistakes to avoid?

Five Worst Credit Card Mistakes

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Credit cards can be an excellent way to manage your finances ... they can even be an investment tool. However your credit card can quickly become your enemy if not used correctly. Here are five of the worst mistakes most credit card holders make. If you can avoid these mistakes, you will benefit greatly.

Listed below are five worst mistakes most credit card holder make. If you can avoid these mistakes, you will benefit a lot.

1. Too many credit cards:

In most cases, a single credit card is sufficient to meet all the credit needs in a person's life.

More than one card leads to greater temptation resulting in inviting greater credit risk over a long run.

Multiple credit cards or credit accounts leave the lender with a question that the account holder must be spending all the money on the card.

2. Misunderstanding introductory rates:

Introductory rates on them are often low.

Debt Stressed?
Image for Debt Stressed?If you're struggling to pay your debts and covering living expenses, we're here to help. Through our national panel of Debt Management specialists, we can help customers with $10k or more in debt by consolidating your existing loans, stopping Debt collectors from contacting you and re-negotiating repayments on your terms!

Many people get enticed by these rates. However, they give least attention to the rates that are levied once the introductory period is over, which can be as high as 20 percent.

3. Not reading the fine print:

This is the most common credit card mistake committed by a majority of people.

This is one strategy that companies apply to escape from legal entangles and also attract customers.

Most of the terms and conditions, including the interest rates, at the end of the introductory period are written in a fine print at the bottom or at the end of the brochure.

It is important to read these conditions in order to have a better understanding about the benefits offered by a particular card.

4. Making minimum payments:

This is another common mistake committed by consumers.

Credit cards should be used only during emergencies.

People should understand that credit cards offer money on credit but are not a form of income.

It is important to pay off the credit at the end of every month. With minimum payments, the trouble is going to increase further.

This is because the interest rates on the balance amount will be higher making it difficult to pay off loans for a long time.

5. Paying bills late:

When one wants to pay the credit card bill, it is better to pay that well ahead of time.

Most of the companies charge late-payment fees.

Apart from this, late payment of bills gets reflected in the credit reports, thereby making it difficult to obtain loans at better terms when one goes for any loans in the future.

Published: Tuesday, 24th Aug 2021
Author: 85


Business Loans Articles

The Essential Guide to Fast-Tracking Your Small Business Loan Approval
The Essential Guide to Fast-Tracking Your Small Business Loan Approval
In the fast-paced world of business, securing funding swiftly can be the difference between seizing an opportunity and watching it slip away. For small businesses, the urgency of quick loan approvals is often more pronounced. Each day spent waiting for approval could translate to lost revenue, hindered growth, or the inability to meet operational demands. - read more
Unlocking Capital: Essential Tips for Securing Startup Financing in Australia
Unlocking Capital: Essential Tips for Securing Startup Financing in Australia
Starting a business is a formidable venture, and securing the necessary capital to transform a vision into reality is often one of the first major hurdles that Australian entrepreneurs face. With a myriad of financing options available, it is essential to navigate the startup financing landscape in Australia with a keen understanding of not only the opportunities but also the challenges it presents. - read more

Finance News

Extended Loan Terms: A New Strategy for Australian SMEs
Extended Loan Terms: A New Strategy for Australian SMEs
03 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
In response to ongoing economic challenges, Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly opting for longer-term loans to manage cash flow and sustain operations. Recent data indicates a significant 43% surge in loan applications during the first quarter of the 2025 financial year, highlighting a strategic shift among SMEs towards extended repayment periods. - read more
Australian Businesses Seek Loans as Insolvencies Peak
Australian Businesses Seek Loans as Insolvencies Peak
03 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent data reveals a concerning trend among Australian businesses: a 6% increase in business loan applications coinciding with a 21% rise in insolvencies, marking a five-year high. This pattern suggests that many businesses are seeking additional financing not for expansion, but as a means of survival amidst mounting economic pressures. - read more

Need Help Finding a Loan?
Business Loan Quote
Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a specialist from our national broker referral panel. See our privacy statement for more details.

All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Monetary Policy:
The actions of a central bank or other regulatory authority that determine the size and rate of growth of the money supply.