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New Places where you can use your Credit Card

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The convenience and practicality of credit cards has hit an all-time high; where once cash was king credit, cards have taken over. Let’s face it: credit cards are incredibly convenient and they eliminate the need to carry around cash.

With that said, here are some of the most unlikely of places you can now whip out your credit card:

• Courts and government offices – From paying fines to paying taxes, most federal offices and courts now accept credit cards as payment.
• Vending machines – Still digging in your pocket for change for the vending machine? You can finally put it away and use your credit card to purchase vending items instead.
• Churches – We used to throw cash into the church plate, but churches now accept credit card payments, thereby making the process of paying your monthly offering easier than ever.
• Salvation Army kettles – This year saw a truly remarkable sight – Salvation Army kettles accepting credit card donations! These specially designed credit card receptacles will help this nonprofit organization – and eventually many others – to accept donations when people don’t have cash on hand.
• Tolls and parking meters – You know the drill: you pull into a metered parking space, only to find that you are lacking the change to put in the parking meter. Newer parking meters, as well as toll booths, are now accepting credit card payments, thereby greatly reducing the amount of stress felt when you simply can’t find any spare quarters under your car seat.
• Fast food restaurants – You need a late-night snack or a quick family dinner and you’re short on cash. No problem: simply head to your local fast food restaurant and enjoy your fast dinner using your credit card. Many fast food restaurants now accept credit cards, even when you’re heading through the drive-through lane.

Although credit card usage has become more convenient than ever, it is still important to remain diligent when paying with a credit card. Only pay by credit card at trusted merchants and always check your credit card bill for incorrect charges.

Benefits of Using your Credit Card on Vacation

Credit Card Rewards

Now is the time of year many of us head to our vacation destination with our families in tow. If you are preparing your finances for vacation then you’ll certainly want to bring your credit card along.

There are loads of things to remember: clothes, travel supplies, medications and sunscreen, just to name a few! The last thing you need to worry about is cash on your vacation. Luckily, your credit card can home in quite handy for your next trip.

There are several benefits of using your credit for your next vacation:

• Safety – There is no better way to travel than with a credit card. Cash may catch the attention of a thief, or it may make you more susceptible to a mugging. In addition, cash can’t be replaced if you lose it. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. A credit card, on the other hand, can be easily replaced if you lose your purse or have your wallet stolen.

Credit cards are also a good choice, as you are protected from unauthorized expenditures on your account should a thief steal it.

• Convenience – With your credit card in your wallet, there is no need to withdraw large sums of cash from the bank, and no need to fumble around with cash every time you make a purchase. And there is certainly no need for cumbersome traveler’s checks, which may be both inconvenient and difficult to use, as retail establishments may not accept them.
• Practicality – It’s easy to track your expenditures from your vacation with a credit card. In addition to keeping you on budget, your credit card may also come in handy if your costs unexpectedly exceed your budget while on vacation. There is nothing more impractical than being away from home and over-budget!
• Rewards – Many consumers use reward-type credit cards for vacation purposes because the numerous purchases quickly earn rewards.

Don’t Forget!

It is important to remember to call your credit card company before embarking on your vacation to let them know that you will be traveling and incurring considerable charges (many credit card companies may flag your account to be sure that there is no fraudulent activity going on with your card, so it is best to let them know your plans).

In addition, it is best to know how much credit you have left on your account and, if needed, ask the credit card in advance for a credit line increase.