Credit cards are convenient financial product that lots of people use to buy things. They're good for small purchases and big ones too. Credit cards offer more than just convenience. They come with perks like rewards, travel benefits, and help in emergencies. If you use them carefully, they can also help you build up your credit score. Here are some benefits and features of credit cards in detail.
When you first get a credit card, you will get a welcome gift. This could be vouchers, coupons, or discounts on things like movie tickets or travel. Sometimes you also get extra points or special memberships.
Lots of credit cards give you points for every purchase you make. These points can be used to get redeemed for items, vouchers, or even cash back. Some cards even give you more points for certain purchases, so you can earn rewards faster.
Having a credit card for a long time can help you build up your credit score, especially if you've never borrowed money before. A good credit score makes it easier to get approved for loans in the future.
Lots of credit cards give you cash back when you use them. The amount of cash back you get depends on the card you have and the provider.
Certain credit cards come with perks for travelers. These benefits might include things like earning air miles, getting access to airport lounges, having travel insurance, and getting special deals on flights and hotels.
Some banks offer credit cardholders a waiver on fuel surcharges when they spend a certain amount on fuel each month. These points earned from fuel spending can then be used to get free fuel later on.
Credit cards give you a period of time where you don't have to pay any interest on the things you buy. As long as you pay off what you owe before the due date, you won't be charged any extra money.
Using a credit card can be safer than carrying cash because if you lose cash, it's hard to get it back. But if your credit card is lost or stolen, you can quickly report it and prevent anyone from using it fraudulently.
Credit cards can be really handy in emergencies, like when you need cash fast for medical reasons or other urgent needs. They let you borrow money instantly, even if you don't have it in your bank account right then. You can pay back what you borrowed later on.
Credit cards make it easy to buy big-ticket items without having all the money upfront. But it's important to keep your credit use in check. Try to only use up to 30% of your credit limit to keep a good credit score.
Premium credit cards come with extra benefits and advantages. While they might have higher fees than regular cards, they definitely offer more benefits. Some of the premium advantages include:
Upgrading your credit card comes with specific benefits, including:
The eligibility criteria for applying for a credit card may vary depending on the type of card and the issuing bank. However, common eligibility criteria typically include:
Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Nationality: You should be a citizen of India or a Non-Resident Indian (NRI).
Credit Score: You must have a clean financial record and a good credit score.
Employment Status: You should be either salaried or self-employed.
Income: Banks or NBFCs will require you to meet their minimum income requirement.
Here is the list of basic documents required for credit card application. Note that any one document from each category is required:
This is the ratio of how much you've used on your credit card compared to the total credit limit available. For instance, if your total credit limit is Rs.1 lakh and you've spent Rs.30,000, your credit utilization ratio is 30%. It's generally recommended to keep this ratio around 30% or lower on all your cards.
Yes, you can apply for a credit card online by visiting the official website of the bank you prefer.
This is the maximum amount you can spend on your credit card. Having a higher credit limit means you can spend more, which can help improve your credit score.
Premium credit cards offer additional benefits in areas such as lifestyle, travel, entertainment, and dining. These cards usually come with a higher annual fee but provide features like international airport lounge access, concierge services, and air accident insurance.