by Tricia
I can’t be sure, but I’m guessing that most credit cards today have some form of online access. With my cards, I have chosen to be set up so I can make payments online so I don’t have to worry about payments getting lost in the mail or freaking out the day a payment is due. All I have to do is go online and pay it by their submittal deadline.
I love that feature. But some of you may not be comfortable with having your account tied to your credit card, which is understandable. Even if you will never pay your bill online, you might want to consider signing up for online access to your credit card(s).
Why?
Probably one of the handiest features that I have used with my online accounts are the email alerts. With all of my credit cards, I am signed up so I get emails when my monthly statements are ready and I also get an email if I haven’t paid the card yet about a week before the payment is due. Those are two great reminders that keep things fresh in my head so I do not miss a payment.
I also like to monitor credit card use. I do have some automatic payments hitting my credit cards for blog related fees. I have the habit of going online and checking for new charges at least weekly. That makes me feel like I am on top of things and I am now in the habit of turning around and paying charges immediately. Also, if any fraudulent charges appear, I can report them quickly.
Lastly, I check for online balance transfer offers. Lately, I have been receiving some less desired offers with either huge balance transfer fees or interest rates that aren’t that low. I am still holding out for a wonderful 0% balance transfer offer or anything at or below 3.9% with no balance transfer fee. I keep checking weekly…hoping to catch a great offer.
It normally doesn’t take long to sign up. At least for me, the few minutes taken to sign up has been worth it because those email alerts have saved me from forgetting a payment a few times 😉
