Positive credit card stories?

[Bimgy85]

What do you use your CC for? When did you first get one?

Applying for my first one, I have a regular income, planning to use it for large purchases/when I'm stuck, holidays etc

What's it been handy for for you?

I used one for large purchases, for the payment protection and paid it off asap. I once bought a computer, the company went bankrupt, and I got a full refund within a few weeks. If I'd paid any other way I would have been out of pocket by £600.

we only use it for large purchases when we want to put an extra layer of protection on.
so flight bookings, large items. surprises expenses.

repay in full every month, max repay within 2.

I use it for every purchase and pay it off in full every month. I get points for spending on it.

I use it for all my day to day spending and transfer as I spend, as i get cashback on it. Also use for big purchases and anything I want protection on.

We use our credit cards for absolutely everything and pay off the bills in full every month. If you have a handle on your full outgoings it's a financially prudent way to manage your affairs.

I have three: one is a 0% interest for three years which I used to pay for half of my car;
One is for overseas spending.
The last one is a John Lewis card which I used to buy the DCs gadgets last Xmas - paid off within the interest-free period, £20 of vouchers as a welcome offer and then the points which give you vouchers (which will go towards next Xmas).

Only debt I have is the first as I pay anything off in full the same month.

We use it for everything but pay it off straight away/when due. Benefitss being: cash back, payment protection, helps credit score, evens out can flow, money stays in our account longer so we get more interested etc. We only buy what we can afford so there is no risk or debt for us

Actually I only got one initially to increase my credit score.

What does it mean to pay in full every month? Does this mean pay your due amount or pay the full amount you spent?

For example, if I spend £300 and the first month I'm due to pay back £150 and I pay all that back? Have I paid in full?

@Lenny1987 how do you mean transfer as you spend? Does this mean you put money back into the credit card straight away to knock that amount off your bill?

Paying the full amount each month. It means you pay no interest.

So spend £300 and pay £300.

Paying back in full means paying the amount your statement says you owe for that period.

Ya it's paying it back in full, but I just transfer directly out of my account as and when I spend on it, to ensure that I don't get tricked into thinking I have more than I think, and don't get saddled with an unexpected bill at the end of the month.

I get points resulting in John Lewis vouchers on mine so I use it for everything and pay the statement total in full every month.

I got one with a long interest free period (2 years) did all my spending on it and just paid off the minimum each month. I put an amount equal to 1/24 of the maximum balance into a high interest regular saver account and used it to pay off the card after 2 years. Made a couple of hundred quid in interest.

I also used one to buy a Macbook Pro and pay for it over two years. I put £25 a month into a separate account so I would have the balance at the end.

They're often cheaper than debit cards if you're spending abroad as well.

I used to use mine instead of my debit card for things like fuel and big shop but keep the money in my current account and transfer it over when the card was due. So if I spent 60 on fuel I would keep the money aside but then pay it onto the credit card. My credit rating went really high! We've also used for big purchases and then paid off in big chunks. They're great as long as you are sensible and don't spend what you can't afford normally, and pay off in full every month or over 2 or 3 months.

I thought you could spend say £500 and be able to pay that back over a few months no? Not have to pay the 500 the next month all straight away?

Sorry. A bit new to it all. I presume transfer just means like I'd planned anyway, I spend £200 and then over the next few weeks keep that 200 aside ready to pay off. Or can you pay as you go also, so if I spend 200 on the credit card I can knock a 100 off straight away if I have the money there? Or do you have to wait for the exact date?

I have a John Lewis Partnership card. I use it for all big purchases, plus fuel, plus Waitrose shop. When the statement arrives I pay off the full amount owing.

I DON'T use it for anything where there is a credit card fee.

Every so often I get John Lewis/Waitrose vouchers to spend. I save them up for Christmas, it really helps.

you can do that (pay back in installments), but depending on the interest on the card that might be an expensive option.
get the calculator out and see if that is the best option costwise compare to an overdraft charge for example.

You can pay it off over a few months but unless you're on a 0% for purchases deal then you'll pay interest.

I've got the Tesco one so get Clubcard points. I mostly use them for meals out which are a really good deal.

Credit card fees are history, they've been illegal for ages.

Firstly READ your attached documents properly so you know everything about dye dates, interest, extra charges.

I use it instead of debit card and pay back full every month and it's great to know I have emergency funds if needed. I collect points like that plus it's great for credit score to have running CC.

You don't have to pay in full, but it is better to do so. After you get statement ot tells you when your payment is due. It is better though to allways pay it in full so you don't get behind and into debt. It can be very tempting.