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Mon, February 17, 2025
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Ingmar Rentzhog

How to Use Your New Credit Card Before It's Even Delivered


Published on 2025-02-17 06:20:49 - CNET
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  • While many credit cards offer a way to use a new credit card before the physical card arrives in the mail, you may have to wait to get your hands on a credit card. It can typically take anywhere from seven to 10 business days for your new card to arrive in the mail.

The article from CNET outlines several key strategies for effectively using a new credit card. It emphasizes the importance of understanding your card's terms, including the interest rate, billing cycle, and payment due dates to avoid late fees and interest charges. It advises setting up automatic payments or reminders to ensure payments are made on time, which helps in maintaining a good credit score. The article also discusses the benefits of using the card for purchases that offer rewards or cash back, but warns against overspending. It suggests keeping the credit utilization rate low, ideally below 30%, to positively impact your credit score. Additionally, it recommends regularly reviewing your credit card statement for unauthorized charges and understanding the card's rewards program to maximize benefits. Lastly, it touches on the importance of occasionally using the card to keep it active and to avoid potential account closure due to inactivity.

Read the Full CNET Article at:
[ https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/credit-cards/how-to-use-your-new-credit-card/ ]
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