The credit card is one of the most used means of payment in Brazil and in the world, however, due to its accessibility, it causes people to build up several debts with constant use. So, how to use your credit card without getting into debt?

This is because, when using the credit card, the user no longer has the same attention that he would have with physical money, as he starts to have the impression that he is not going into debt.

So, let's talk a little about the credit card and how it can help you in your day to day life, and how it can cause a lot of problems. 

As much as a villain, the credit card did not come to bring more problems to its users.

In fact, it came as a way to bring convenience and ease, especially at times when the user does not have physical cash on hand.

However, just as it brings several advantages, it also has disadvantages, as it gives the impression that the user is not spending money.

This is because the credit card has the advantage of paying bills in installments, and thus they only need to be paid in a few days or months.

So, so that the credit card only brings advantages in your life, let's list some tips that can help you in the process. Check out:

We separate 07 tips so you can use your credit card without getting into debt. Check it out below:

And our first tip, so that you can use your credit card without getting into debt, is that you avoid paying in installments.

That's because when you shop to pay off in the long run, your finances can become a big mess.

Because, today, you may have the necessary amounts to pay that expense, but, in the future, you may not.

So, as far as possible, give preference to cash payments when purchasing with the card, or with few installments.

That is, avoid making purchases in installments over several months as much as possible, because, although it seems like a great offer, in the long run, it does not bring advantages.

However, this does not mean that installment purchases only bring disadvantages, but only use them in cases where there is a need.

Therefore, so that you can have control over your finances, when using a credit card, remember to avoid installments.

Another tip we have for you to use your credit card wisely is to pay attention to the payment date of your invoice.

This is because late invoice payments yield high interest rates, creating even more problems for users.

So, write down the closing dates of your credit card bill, so you don't forget to make the payment on the correct days.

Another tip is for you to always write down all purchases made on the card, and install your bank's application on your mobile device.

Well, you can do an analysis of your expense spreadsheet, along with the bank's, and if there are any differences, you can file a claim.

This is important, as cases of errors in registering purchases made on credit cards are not rare, and, due to an oversight, you may end up paying more than you really should.

Therefore, make a spreadsheet with your income and expenses, as well as the closing date of the invoice, best day of purchase, and payment date.

This data is also important, as it can make the invoice come smaller, since the closing date of your invoice, in most cases, happens ten days before the due date.

This means that, knowing exactly what the invoice closing day is, you can wait for the next invoice to make a certain purchase, rather than making a purchase that will still come on the current invoice.

That is, the logic of the credit card is very simple, you just need to always have all the transactions that happen with it at hand.

And, in case you have any trouble remembering to pay your invoices on time, you also have the option to schedule payment.

And so, you reduce the chances of leaving your invoices overdue.

Our tip for now is about revolving credit, an alternative widely used by customers who use credit cards, but it can be dangerous.

Revolving credit works as follows:

Imagine that you have an invoice above your monthly income, and you already know that you will not be able to pay the total amount of the invoice until the due date.

However, you also cannot do without using your credit card, as it is your most used payment method on a daily basis.

So, the financial institution gives you the alternative of paying in installments, or paying a minimum amount of your invoice or the amount you can pay from it, and the rest will then be financed by revolving credit.

Immediately, it seems like a great idea, however, it is important to mention that revolving credit is a type of credit offered to customers, but which has the highest interest rates on the market.

That is, in practice, entering the so-called revolving credit means that the customer will be paying interest on the invoice that he was unable to pay.

That is, in an intelligent financial analysis, it is not a good option, since the chances of getting into debt are enormous.

Well, if you didn't have the necessary amounts to pay the invoice without the interest, just imagine with high interest rates on it?

Unfortunately, despite having several disadvantages, revolving credit still becomes an option, as it is better to pay little than not pay at all.

Therefore, before making a decision about revolving credit, try your best to pay your card bill.

And, another tip for you to avoid getting into debt with the constant use of your credit card, is to set realistic limits for the card.

This is because there are people who have an average monthly income, however, set high limits on their credit card.

And so, what would come to bring convenience, will bring even more problems, with interest and high fees, in addition to constant expenses.

So, when setting a limit for your card, a tip is that it doesn't exceed 50% of your monthly income.

That is, even if the bank offers several opportunities for higher limits, remember that you may not be able to pay.

Today, there are also the options of some digital banks, which allow customers to control their own card limit directly through the cell phone application, guaranteeing more autonomy and financial control.

When making your credit card, opt for those that do not have fees or annuities.

Today, there are several alternatives of digital banks that offer credit cards without fees, tariffs and annuity.

And yet, you can also try to negotiate with your bank, the reduction of these fees or at least their values.

That's because, most of the time, we don't even notice the amounts charged for the annuity and fees, which can become a major financial problem.

So, as we already mentioned, make a careful analysis of your credit card, and all financial movements.

So, make an intelligent choice, but above all, remember that you are the customer, and a good conversation with your bank can benefit both of you.

When using the card, remember to only use it for purchases that you really need to make.

That is, avoid making purchases on impulse, or using your credit card for unnecessary purchases.

Among these purchases, we have, for example, a coffee after lunch after work or a pack of cigarettes.

That's because these small expenses made frequently can become a big headache when closing the month's invoice.

So, use the card only for situations where other means of payment are more difficult to use, or even to bring convenience.

However, avoid using it for impulse purchases that you can make with cash.

And, if still, there is a need, always opt for cash payment, as mentioned above.

As we mentioned above, the credit card should be used as a means of payment, and not just as an instrument for making purchases.

And so, you need to know exactly which purchases are made with the card, and how it is interfering with your financial life.

The card is meant to bring ease, convenience and security, but it should not become just an object that you use constantly.

Therefore, remember to use the card only as a means of payment, but not as the only means of payment.

To close our tips with a golden key, the last tip is for you to have an emergency reserve.

We have already mentioned in other posts about the importance of the emergency reserve, which is nothing more than having money stored for urgent and emergency situations.

Among these situations we can list: Job loss; unplanned pregnancy; divorce; illness; death, among others.

So, saving a reserve even if it's little for situations you weren't planning for, is recommended in any financial circumstances.

In that case, you can start with minimum installments of R$100, and, with the income, you can have a big help in the future.

Therefore, keep a reserve, but, above all, cultivate a controlled financial life, so that you don't have unwanted surprises with the use of your credit card.