Tips

8 credit card myths: Get the facts about your credit card

Do you know everything about your credit card? Chances are, there are some things you don't know. Check out this article to learn the truth behind 8 common credit card myths!

Advertisement

Top 8 credit card myths busted!

There are many myths about credit cards, but let’s get you straight to the facts. Source: Adobe Stock.

Credit cards are a common feature of modern life, but many credit card myths and misunderstandings persist.

If you’re confused about using your credit card responsibly and how it might affect your finances, fear not. This helpful blog post will cover the top 8 things you need to know about credit cards. 

We’ll look at common misconceptions so that you can make smart decisions with your money.

Whether you already have a credit card or are considering signing up for one soon, stay tuned to learn the truth behind these prevalent myths!

improve your credit score

Improve your credit score easily with these tips

Improving your credit score is one of the most important things you can do, and we’ll provide some easy tips on how you can achieve that goal quickly and without stress.

The truth behind these prevalent myths about credit cards

Are you a credit card user? Do you ever wonder if the myths you’ve heard about them are true?

If so, we’re here to help! We’ll be debunking 8 common misconceptions about credit cards. 

We will ensure that by the end of it all, you’ll better understand how these nifty payment tools work and how best to use them for your financial advantage.

So without further ado, let’s get cracking on entering the world of credit card myths and reality!

1. Checking my credit report hurts my credit score

Credit card myths have been circulating for years, and one of the hottest, if not the foremost, is that checking your credit score lowers it. 

With 93% of millennials being aware of their credit score, this misunderstanding is thriving. However, this notion is completely untrue! 

In reality, monitoring your credit score helps you keep track of your credit-building journey and can help you identify any suspicious activity. 

2. My credit score will boost by carrying a balance on my credit card

If you’re confused about credit cards, read this post all the way to the end. Source: Adobe Stock.

Credit cards make it much easier to manage and track our finances; however, carrying a balance on your credit card is one of the credit card myths that could break your wallet. 

Despite what people may say, carrying a credit card balance will not boost your credit score. It only has the potential to reduce it. 

In addition, you’ll be charged interest as long as you keep a balance – meaning what happened to be a small purchase might become much more expensive over time. 

3. My income will impact my credit score

One credit card myth is that your income will greatly affect your credit score. While income can certainly give lenders an idea of your creditworthiness, it does not directly equate to a higher credit score.

Your credit score mainly depends on how you manage your credit usage and repayment practices. 

As long as you regularly pay bills on time, avoid too much credit utilization, and use credit responsibly in general, your credit score should stay in good condition regardless of the size of your income.

4. Only rich people have good credit score

Credit card myths are rampant, and one of the most common misconceptions is that only rich people have a good credit scores. Credit scores don’t always have to do with wealth status. 

Building credit is an important factor for individuals to consider when buying a car or a house and establishing a credit history. 

Even if you don’t have a lot of money, there are still steps you can take to improve your credit score— like paying bills on time and keeping balances low on credit cards. 

Doing these things will help demonstrate responsible credit use and prove to lenders that your financial situation doesn’t solely determine your creditworthiness.

5. Multiple credit cards will hurt my credit score

Credit cards can be a useful tool for your finances. Source: Adobe Stock.

One of the most persistent credit card myths is that having too many credit cards will damage your credit score. 

This isn’t necessarily true; as long as you make payments on time and carefully manage how much credit you use, you can still have a good credit score even with multiple credit cards. 

On the other hand, carrying multiple credit cards does increase the risk of accumulating debt if you’re not careful about monitoring your spending. 

People using multiple credit cards should plan and budget carefully to avoid falling behind on payments and incurring more interest charges and fees than intended.

6. Applying for a new credit card will hurt your credit score significantly

Applying for a credit card does not immediately hurt your credit score. This is a common credit card myth that you may have heard, but it’s important to understand the truth. 

When you apply for credit, your credit report is checked by the lender, and that assessment can cause a small drop in your credit score. 

But if everything else regarding your credit information is good, such as having an on-time repayment history and low credit utilization ratio, then the drop will be minor and temporary.

7. Canceling your unused credit cards will help your credit

It’s a big credit card myth that canceling credit cards you no longer use will hurt your credit score, but it’s the opposite – canceling unused credit cards can help improve your credit.

That’s because fewer credit cards open in your name means less temptation to overspend, and you’re also reducing your credit utilization ratio by having fewer sources of credit available.

8. By increasing my credit card limit, I will affect my credit score 

It’s a common credit card myth that by increasing the credit limit of your credit card, your credit score will decrease. 

That’s simply not true! In reality, increasing your credit card limit can boost your credit score, as it can effectively lower your credit utilization ratio if you don’t increase the amount of debt you take on. 

10 common credit repair myths: separate fact from fiction

Credit repair can be a confusing and intimidating process. Everyone’s been told different ways to fix their credit, but it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. We’re here to help! 

Our next blog post will debunk 10 of the most common credit repair myths.

By understanding what won’t make a difference in your score and avoiding bad advice, you can start taking steps toward boosting your credit today! Read on for more

common credit repair myths

10 common credit repair myths

See the top ten most pervasive myths about credit repair. We'll help you separate fact from fiction and get started on your journey to a better financial future!

About the author  /  Vinicius Barbosa

Vinicius Barbosa is a writer of finance-related content on this portal. Graduated in Social Communication, he writes about everything that involves the world of finances, from credit card recommendations to investment tips, for readers who want to make better decisions when it comes time to spend their money or invest wisely.

Trending Topics

content

Skipping meals can deteriorate your mental health

Learn about the negative impact that skipping meals can have on your mental health and how to avoid it by planning your day a little better.

Keep Reading
content

Disney Plus: Learn all there is to know about Disney’s streaming platform

Wondering what Disney Plus is and how it works? Here's everything you need to know about this new service from the House of Mouse.

Keep Reading
content

Cheap stuff for everyday life

You don't have to break the bank to get the things you need. Check out this cheap stuff for your everyday life that will make it easier!

Keep Reading

You may also like

content

Learn how to get airport lounge access

Wondering how to get airport lounge access? Here are a few tips and tricks to make your travel a little more comfortable. Read on for more!

Keep Reading
content

Apple is raising prices on all its subscription services

Apple is currently raising prices on a number of subscription services to cover licensing costs. Read on to learn what this means for you!

Keep Reading
content

The most exciting shows to watch on Netflix in June

With a new month comes a fresh lineup of programming. Check out our picks of shows to watch on Netflix in June and get the popcorn ready!

Keep Reading