When it comes to shopping, the credit card brought ease and convenience, which we needed, especially when paying the credit card bill in installments, as it became an opportunity to buy even if you don't have money at the time!

And, in the midst of so many advantages, is it really that we only have to gain from credit card installments? Let's talk a little bit about that.

Among the various ways of making purchases, the credit card has become one of the most used means of payment in Brazil and in the world.

That's because, it brings convenience, accessibility and several advantages, such as being able to pay for purchases made in installments.

And thus, these installments can occur in the short, medium and long term, and for the amounts chosen by consumers.

However, the installments that can help a lot when shopping, can also become a problem for those who do not have control over their own expenses.

So, the installment of the invoice is one of the most advantageous options to pay the minimum amounts of the credit card invoice.

Because, through installments, the consumer can divide the debts into up to 24 months, 2 years, and thus mitigate the impacts of the debt.

The fact is that the installments are also increased by interest rates, which according to each bank, may be higher or lower.

Therefore, when choosing the financial institution responsible for your credit card, pay attention to all the fees charged by the institution, and the financial impacts on your budget.

At first, it seems like a great alternative if you don't have the necessary amounts to settle your credit card bill in full.

However, there are other options that may be more advantageous.

In any case, whenever possible, make the payment in full on your credit card bill, so that you don't have future problems.

However, if this is not possible, we will list below some alternatives for you to do, instead of paying in installments with your credit card. Check out:

So, let's get to know some alternatives, so you don't have to pay your credit card bill in installments:

And, our first alternative when paying the credit card bill in installments is the cash payment.

This is because, by opting for cash payment, mainly for cheaper and simpler products to pay, you avoid compromising your income for the following month.

So, make a spreadsheet with all your income and expense control, so you know what your financial reality is at the moment.

And, in cases of cash payment, you can check what your real conditions are and what are the advantages of being able to make a cash purchase.

Now, in cases of installment payment, you need to check which are the interest-free installment options, which may mean paying for purchases in smaller installments.

Therefore, remember that no matter how long it takes you months to pay off an account, if you continue to make several other debts, in the long term, you may become in default.

The fact is that ideally, you should not commit more than 30% of your budget to debt, that is, whenever you get close to that limit, review all your expenses unnecessarily.

And so, evaluate the best purchase options that currently make the most sense for you.

Another alternative to do instead of paying the credit card bill in installments is to opt for credit portability.

This is because portability serves to help consumers who want to exchange an expensive debt for a cheaper one.

So, with credit portability, it is possible to transfer debts from one bank to another bank.

Among the reasons that credit portability becomes a good option, we have, for example, the high interest rates, which in the competition, can be lower.

And, in addition, through portability, the financial institution that will receive the transfer cannot charge amounts above the previous ones.

That is, for consumers it can be a good option to deal with financial issues.

And now let's list what to do before paying the credit card bill in installments:

And, our first tip is for you to evaluate all the options available, that is, trying to get as much information as possible about the ways to settle your card debts.

That is, try to find out the period charged for renewing the debt; the forms of installments with the respective interest; and even the possibility of applying for a loan to pay the invoice.

To do this, do research with the financial institution, trying to negotiate interest rates, so that the payment is made in the best way.

This is usually always a good option, as banks are looking for debts to be paid off, so trying to negotiate is always a viable alternative.

Another tip is for you to be aware of the new revolving credit rules. 

These rules determine that the credit must be used for 30 days, after which the customer will be able to pay the outstanding balance in full.

Or, you can choose to take out loans from financial institutions with lower interest rates to pay your credit card bill in installments.

It is important to mention that each financial institution is free to offer its own installment proposals, lasting up to 24 months.

For, the only differences between them, will be the interest that may be lower compared to revolving credit.

So, once again, be aware of the rules and regulations of your financial institution, and try to negotiate the values.

Another tip is for you to analyze the values of interest rates and CET.

And, the CET is the Total Effective Cost, which is the sum of interest, charges, fees and taxes plus the principal amount of the debt.

So, know exactly what this sum is, as well as the interest rates, to know the reality of your debt, and how it can be negotiated.

And, thus, it will be able to offer proposals to the financial institution, and receive the proposals offered, with a more clinical look.

Another tip is for you to establish maximum amounts for paying invoice installments.

This is because you should only commit to what you can fulfill, that is, do not commit to values that you know do not fit your budget.

Therefore, in order not to get into even more debt, set the maximum limits for the installments of the credit card bill.

And, to close our tips, the ideal thing is that you have a payment plan, so that you don't get lost with the amounts on your credit card bill.

So, always have a spreadsheet with all your income and expense control, as well as invoice payment dates, so you can stay organized.

Although they seem like equal terms, they are not. 

This is because the installments are composed of fixed values, previously stipulated and known.

The minimum payment, on the other hand, is the minimum amount to be paid in the following month, that is, it is not known, and is subject to the criteria of each financial institution.

Initially, the interest is the amounts added to the value of the installment, however, already installments that already have built-in interest.

So, this built-in interest is in the product values, but it is not announced separately, with the other interest.

The fact is that these built-in interests are exactly the amounts that companies withdraw when they give discounts to consumers who pay for purchases in cash.

That is, even if you do not pay your bills in installments, you will be paying amounts in excess, with the addition of interest.

In the interest-free payment modality, the amounts do not change, being the same amount in cash, even if it is paid in installments.

In the modality of payment with interest, the values will change, given by the installments of the financing.

Therefore, when paying for your purchases in installments, pay attention to whether it will be worth paying more and in the long term, or, upfront, and with reduced values.

Initially, only credit cards can pay for purchases in installments, as they have a monthly limit available.

And thus, purchases can be paid in installments, as many times as possible, respecting the limit available on the credit card.

Now, if the card is in the debit or prepaid function, it will not be possible to pay for purchases in installments, since these modalities work as a cash payment.

So, through the prepaid card, consumers can make online and physical purchases, recharge the card as many times as they want, with a spending limit, among other functions.

The debit card, however, is the card linked to the consumer's current account, and the limit is linked to the bank balance.

That is, if there is no available balance, there is no approval.

Therefore, the credit card is the only one that has the possibility of making purchases in installments.

In some credit cards, there is the possibility of having an additional limit, also called a special limit.

This limit is offered by several financial institutions to provide a higher limit that is exclusive to installment purchases.

So, if a card can have a limit of R$1000 for purchases in cash, but the limit can reach, for example, R$2000 in installment purchases.

It is important to mention that the limit works the same way, the purchase value being deducted from the limit, and refunded gradually, with each installment payment.