Do credit cards bamboozle/scare anyone else?

[Coffeedreaming]

im going to apply for a 0% credit card to cover a large unexpected bill that’s just come in - have the means to repay it over the 23 month term. Rather than take a loan. (Boiler unexpectedly packed up and no we stupidly don’t have boiler cover)

But I’ve never had a credit card before - is this unusual? I’ve always used a debit card as credit cards frighten me. I don’t really know how they work, I’m scared of forgetting the minimum monthly repayment and I just don’t like them!

Ive got a mortgage, decently paid job and almost 40 and still have never had a credit card. Feels like something grown ups do!

You can set up a direct debit to pay off whatever you want to each month, then you don't have to remember.

Set up a direct debit for the minimum payment then you never forget

I have a credit card but I don’t think I’ve ever used it.

Don't panic! You can put the minimum monthly payment on direct debit to make sure you don't forget about it. And if you can, pay more than that each month to get the debt down quicker.

If that's the only reason you're getting it, put it somewhere out of sight so you aren't tempted to use it for online shopping or whatever - some people recommend putting it in a container of water in the freezer so you can never use it for impulse purchases!

If you are inclined to forget, make sure you take every step to make sure you don't as you will lose the 0% offer if you miss a payment.

There's no reason to though, it can all be done in your banking up and you can sign up for text notifications for most banks

I’m more scared of getting scammed using a debit card and not being able to get the money back to be honest! Credit card is much safer.

Don’t do what I’ve done for years: kept it for an ‘emergency’ (which turns out to be a holiday, new pair of shoes etc etc) - put out somewhere you’re not tempted to use it!

My best advice is to get into habit of paying your credit card bill on the same day as your salary comes in. I only missed one payment in 15 years I've had my credit card using this method. And the only reason I missed that payment was because I was mid air flying on holiday.
I don't like the idea of setting up a DD for minimum amount because I like paying everything by hand. I know I'm weird but it really makes me think about my finances properly.

No. It doesn’t scare me. I think you need to know yourself and your relationship with money and know you can manage it. I put everything I can on the credit card!

I have a 0 percent credit card. I have it for emergencies only, and in anticipation of some dental work later this year that I might not want to put a lump sum of 'real money' into. You just don't use it. Treat it like it has teeth! If you do use it, set a direct debit to pay it off on time. They gave me a silly limit so it's easy to see how people get into trouble. If you can't not use it and start getting 'treats' it quite simply needs cancelled.

Credit cards are not scary and has its uses. They provide valuable purchase protection (s.75 of the Consumer Credit Fact) if the payee does not provide the service you paid for. You can use it like a charge card (i.e. not using the credit) by paying off your credit card bill in full every month by using a direct debit arrangement. Credit cards are also a way to build up your credit history.

The credit card company may give you a high limit (because they love you to spend on it) but you can ask for a lower credit limit. I did.

I put about £4k of dental work on one last year I got the card specifically for this. I divided the bill into 24 and pay £300 a month to make sure it's laid in time and doesn't attract interest if you are sensible you'll be great.n

Thanks all.

I will definitely set up a direct debit.

I don’t know why I feel so out of my depth with the idea of credit cards. I think I had it drummed into me when I was young “not to spend money you don’t have” - always pay with your debit card attitude I got from my mum.

This is despite me having a flipping enormous mortgage hanging round my neck and the additional mortgage against the house we got to do an extension 🤪

I realise this makes no sense!