1. Online account information – Accessing your credit card account information is easier than ever, thanks to online credit card account tools. From viewing your recent activity to eyeing your credit limit and interest rate, today’s credit card online account tools make managing your credit card easier than ever. We also like the online account information provided by credit card companies because it allows you to keep a close eye on activity on your credit card, thereby reducing the likelihood of fraudulent credit card use.
2. Online bill payment – If you want a quick and easy way to pay your credit card bill then you must consider the conveniences of online bill payments. We like online bill payments through your credit card’s website because payments post almost immediately, thereby preventing overdue payments and the hassles that go along with them. You may choose to use your credit card’s online bill payment service instead of your bank’s online bill payment service because your credit card payment will likely post sooner.
3. Balance transfer options – Most of today’s credit cards feature balance transfer options. If you have a competitive interest rate on your credit card, or if your credit card features a low, promotional rate, you may want to take advantage of the card’s balance transfer feature and transfer higher-rate balances to your credit card. Pay close attention to the interest rate on transferred balances, as well as balance transfer fees, as they may equal anywhere from one to three five percent of the transferred balance.
4. Convenience checks – If you have a credit card, you have likely received convenience checks in the mail. Convenience checks allow you to do everything from paying bills to buying a car, and are easy to use. Plus, your credit card company will likely offer a special rate or offer with their convenience checks, making them an even more attractive feature of your credit card.

However, in response to the CARD Act, and perhaps because many credit card companies cried foul because some of the changes in the legislation meant that they were losing money, creditors began finding ways around the legislation. Therefore, many consumers were left even more confused than before the CARD Act was even enacted.

If, after all of the changes enacted by credit card companies, both to adhere to the new CARD Act guidelines and to avoid losing a great deal of money, you are still quite confused, then it is up to you to engage in a number of activities that will, regardless of what legislation is passed, protect you and make you a winner at the credit card game.

• Always pay your bill on time – OK, so this sounds rather obvious, but the fact is that many consumers still fail to do this on a regular basis. The truth is that creditors cannot charge you any kind of fee if you pay your bill on time. They can’t change your credit card interest rate and they can’t charge you any late fee. The best rule of thumb is to set up automatic payments through your bank so that you can be assured your credit card bill is paid on time, each and every month. If you pay your bill in full each month, set a reminder on your desk calendar or smart phone.
• Don’t reach for the convenience checks – Creditors love to send out those tempting little advance checks, also known as convenience checks. But you must be strong and send them to the shredder, as they are riddled with all kinds of fees and higher interest rates, and they are not protected by the CARD legislation. In short, there should never be a time when using convenience checks are OK.
• Read any material that is sent to you – Because creditors must inform consumers of any changes to their credit card account, you may find yourself receiving more correspondence from your creditor. Avoid the urge to toss the letters into the garbage can and instead take the time to read them so you can always be aware of any changes to your account.

However, like any other type of financial tool, you should make sure that this is the best option for you. Here’s what to remember before making a large purchase on a credit card:

• Consider your credit card’s interest rate and do the math to see if it worth charging a large purchase. In addition, don’t forget to consider what your minimum payment will be once you have charged the large purchase.
• Some credit cards offer special introductory rates, but pay close attention to the expiration of the introductory rate, as this could affect the amount you pay in finance charges if you are unable to pay off the purchase before the expiration of the introductory rate.
• Consider using convenience checks that often come in the mail from your credit card company. Convenience checks often come with lower interest rates, and often these interest rates are fixed for the purchase. However, consider the fee charged by the credit card company for the convenience of using these convenience checks; often times, these fees can be quite high.
• Before making a large purchase, consider whether it will put your credit limit at its maximum.  In other words, always avoid carrying more than 30 percent of your credit limit on your credit card, as this can lower your credit score.
• If you plan on making a particularly large purchase, you may want to call your credit card company ahead of time to alert them to this charge. Many credit card companies will decline a large purchase if they suspect fraudulent activity. It is therefore wise to avoid the hassle and embarrassment of a credit card denial by calling ahead and alerting them of the impending purchase.

Stop the Madness

If you absolutely do not plan to use these convenience checks and would prefer not to receive them, tell the credit card company. Call the customer service number on the back of your card and make sure they know that you want this to come to an end. You will still receive checks for up to 90 days, as there is a delay between your request and getting your name off the list of customers to send to, but at least you have taken the step to eventually bring this practice of sending checks to your doorstep to a halt.

Security

It can be alarming to know that your credit card company is sending blank checks that could sit in your mailbox for hours while you are out of the house. On the off chance that a thief is around, they might be thinking “Jackpot!” No worries. You generally will not be held liable for fraud on these convenience checks. Thieves will find out that their so-called jackpot really isn’t so. The credit card companies have verification processes in place such as calling the customer and matching signatures, as well as stores who won’t take a check from someone other then the rightful person and demand ID as well as often wanting to see the credit card that corresponds to the check.

The micro-printing on the checks makes it very difficult to duplicate them, therefore, counterfeits will easily be detected. Still, if you have lingering worries, put a stop to the sending of the checks and be sure to shred up the ones that continue to come until the company puts a complete stop to it.

The checks are blank and ready to use. Sounds tempting, doesn’t it? A new pair of shoes, a weekend getaway or even a new vehicle is just a check away.

But before you start spending with your credit card’s convenience checks, you may want to take a step back and consider the advantages – and disadvantages – of credit card convenience checks.

Advantages

• Writing out a convenience check is often much easier than applying for a personal or car loan.
• Ideal for situations where a credit card would not or could not be used, such as paying a contractor.
• Often times, they come with promotional rates that are much better than the current interest rate on your credit card.
• Convenience checks may be an ideal way to consolidate your debt.
• Convenience checks may be useful for paying off medical debt, student loan debt or any other type of consumer debt.
• Convenience checks may be deposited into your bank account for cash.

Disadvantages

• Promotional rates on convenience checks are often short-lived. If you receive a great promotional rate on a convenience check, chances are you will not be able to pay off the debt before the promotional period ends.
• Convenience checks often come with fees. These fees can equal a percentage of the check’s total, or can be a straight fee, depending on the creditor and the offer.  Keep these fees in mind when writing convenience checks, as they may outweigh the benefits of the promotional rate.
• Convenience checks may give the consumer a false sense of security when it comes to being able to pay off the debt. In other words, the sheer convenience of convenience checks may cause consumers to overspend when they might not have otherwise overspent.

Have you considered using your credit card to make home improvements; to take a family vacation; to purchase household appliances or furniture; or to purchase a computer? All of these types of purchases can be made using your low-interest credit card!

There are plenty of perks for using your credit card to make large purchases, including:

• No loan application – If you are looking to make a large purchase on credit you will need to deal with the hassle of a loan application; either for a car loan, a personal loan or another credit card. However, if you have an existing credit card with a high credit limit and a low interest rate, you can make your purchase and avoid the frustration of filling out a loan application.
• More competitive interest rates – Many personal loans, auto loans and retail credit cards charge shockingly high interest rates; whereas, your credit card will likely have a more competitive interest rate. Compare the interest rates for a personal loan, as well as your credit card, and you may be very surprised to see that your credit card may offer a much lower interest rate.
• Convenience checks – There is no better way to make a large purchase than to simply write out a check. Many credit card companies send convenience checks to their outstanding customers, along with special offers and promotions. For example, it is not uncommon to receive a special convenience check promotion with a low, fixed interest rate until the loan is paid off.
• Easy repayment terms – Your credit card will likely boast easy repayment terms which allow you to prepay without a penalty. Most credit cards have simple, straightforward terms and conditions, as well.