Are you new to credit cards, rebuilding your credit, or just curious about how to make a credit card work best for you? Here are some tips on getting the most out of your credit card.

• Pay off your outstanding balance before the grace period ends. Most cards have a 20 to 25-day grace period before the company begins charging interest on your purchase. Repaying your charge in full before the end of the grace period will keep interest charges out of your account.
• Build or re-establish credit by opening a small account on a secured or credit-building credit card. Make only small purchases that you know you can repay in full.
• Always read the full terms and conditions of a card before you submit an application, and make sure you understand what you’ve read.
• If you have a history of good credit, call your card company and try to negotiate a lower APR. Many rewards cards offer extra bonuses for purchases at certain locations. Use your card at those places to accumulate more reward points.
• Credit cards are especially useful in emergencies. Don’t max out your cards—you may need to use them unexpectedly.
• A pre-paid credit card can be a great way to give teenagers money for emergencies while ensuring they can’t overspend.
• Many cards offer you the opportunity to transfer an existing balance onto your new card at little or no APR. If you have a pre-existing balance, consider transferring it within your card’s introductory period.
• Be aware of the fees that your card may charge—for instance, many cards issue a finance charge on cash advances. Cash advances also typically carry higher APRs than do purchases.