Common Credit Card Myths

False statements about credit cards

Common Credit Card Myths is the subject of the following guest post from a financial writer looking to offer their insight into the often confusing world of credit cards.

The amount of credit cards on the market at the moment can be a little daunting to a first-time borrower. When used correctly, credit cards can provide an excellent way in which to keep on top of your finances and pay up front for something you need now. This could be bills, the deposit on a flat or cash towards a new car.

However, there are a couple of myths that need to be dispelled before you start browsing around for the best deals. Here’s what you need to bear in mind:

Myth: If you have never had a credit card before, there won’t be any difficulties in getting one.

You may assume that simply because you have never had a loan before, you’ll have a good credit rating. Your credit rating is what a lender will check before approving you for a loan, and if it’s a poor rating your chances of being approved will be compromised.

Even if you haven’t every borrowed before, your credit rating can be affected by defaulted payments on utility bills from some suppliers, your phone bill and your council tax bill. If you appear in court thanks to deferred council tax payments, your credit rating will be severely affected.

Myth: Negative information can be removed from your credit report

If you have defaulted on a payment of a credit card or loan, it stays on your report and there’s nothing you can do about – that is, unless the information is incorrect.

If any information on your credit report is incorrect, you can apply to have it changed with one of the main credit report providers.If there’s negative information on your report, think about organising your own savings before applying for more credit. A spokesperson from Yorkshire Building Society suggested: 

 “Set up a regular savings account and shop around to make sure you get the best rate. Ensure that you are on the electoral roll as this can improve your credit score. Review your day-to-day spending to see if you can make any cuts to increase you’re saving, then set up a budget for essentials and stick to it”

Myth: If your credit rating is poor, you won’t be able to get a credit card

As aforementioned, you don’t have to have had a credit card or loan before which you struggled to pay in order to have a poor credit rating. So if your rating is bad, you can’t get a card – right?

This is not true. Many credit card providers, in the instance of your rating not being good, will offer you a higher interest rate in order to cover the risk to them – but still offer you the card. It’s important to be certain that you can pay back the elevated interest every month.

You can also get certain credit cards which are designed specifically to improve your rating

Myth: Cancelling credit cards will help improve your credit rating

If you cancel your credit card, you could actually hurt your score. By cancelling cards, you’ll be increasing your debt-to-credit ratio.

Myth: Applying for credit will affect my credit score

Applying for a new card will not affect your credit score.

That said, if you apply to multiple lenders at the same time, each lender will leave a ‘footprint’ on your credit score for other lenders to see – this doesn't look good. Always apply for credit with good time between each application.

Interested in guest posting or writing a sponsored post? Feel free to send me an email (mrmoneybanks<at>multimillionaireroad<dot>com), find me on twitter @millionairer0ad or comment.