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.

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.

Small Business Finance SME Newscast

Podcast Cover Image This week: the RBA lifts the cash rate to 4.85%, pushing up costs for variable business lending; small business groups seek a carve‑out as Parliament reviews proposed trust tax changes, with recommendations due 13 November; the Tax Ombudsman flags rising complaints as the ATO ramps up debt collection, so engage early and plan cash flow; and SME cyber insurance is getting cheaper and simpler, yet uptake remains low — review your defences and consider cover. Visit small‑business‑finance.com.au for guides, calculators and MoneyTips.

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

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.


Business Loans Articles

Top reasons why small business loans are denied and how to avoid them
Top reasons why small business loans are denied and how to avoid them
Small businesses often require loans to grow and expand their operations. However, not all loan applications are approved, and denials can be frustrating and demotivating for business owners. Understanding the reasons behind loan denials is critical to avoid making the same mistakes and increase the chances of future loan approvals. - read more
Building Better Business Credit to Support Small Business Cash Flow
Building Better Business Credit to Support Small Business Cash Flow
Business credit can influence how a small business accesses finance, negotiates with suppliers and manages cash flow pressure. This guide explains how business credit works, why it matters and the practical habits that can help support a stronger credit profile over time. - read more

Finance News

ATO Credit Card Delay Buys Time, Not Certainty, for SMEs
ATO Credit Card Delay Buys Time, Not Certainty, for SMEs
03 Nov 2026: Paige Estritori
Australian small businesses that use credit cards to manage tax payment timing have been given extra breathing room, after the federal government confirmed the ATO will continue accepting credit card payments until 30 June 2027. The reprieve follows backlash over the ATO’s earlier plan to stop direct credit card payments after 30 November 2026, a change linked to the national card surcharge reforms that began on 1 October. - read more
Why Rising Debt Stress Should Prompt SMEs to Review Finance Early
Why Rising Debt Stress Should Prompt SMEs to Review Finance Early
15 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
Fresh industry attention on small business debt stress is a timely reminder that borrowing pressure rarely appears overnight. For many Australian SMEs, the squeeze builds gradually: a slower sales month, higher supplier costs, delayed customer payments, tax instalments, payroll commitments and existing loan repayments all competing for the same working capital. - read more


Knowledgebase
Loan Origination Fee:
A fee charged by a lender for processing a new loan application, typically expressed as a percentage of the loan amount.