Credit Card
for Every Lifestyle

What is a credit card?

A credit card is a plastic payment card issued by a financial institution, allowing the cardholder to borrow funds up to a certain limit to make purchases or withdraw cash.

How does a credit card work?

When you use a credit card, you're essentially borrowing money from the card issuer up to a predefined limit. You'll need to repay the borrowed amount, typically on a monthly basis, along with any applicable interest charges.

What is the difference between a credit card and a debit card?

A credit card allows you to borrow money up to a certain limit, while a debit card allows you to spend only what you have in your bank account. Debit cards do not involve borrowing or accruing debt.

How do I apply for a credit card?

You can apply for a credit card by visiting a bank or financial institution's website, filling out an online application, or visiting a local branch. You'll typically need to provide personal information and financial details for the application.

What factors are considered in the approval of a credit card application?

Factors such as your credit score, income, employment status, and existing debt are usually considered by the card issuer when evaluating your application.

What is a credit limit?

A credit limit is the maximum amount of money you're allowed to borrow on your credit card. It is set by the card issuer based on your creditworthiness.

What is an APR (Annual Percentage Rate)?

The APR represents the cost of borrowing on the credit card and includes the interest rate and any additional fees. It's expressed as a percentage and gives you an idea of how much you'll pay in interest over a year.

What is a minimum payment?

The minimum payment is the smallest amount you're required to pay each month to keep the credit card account in good standing. Paying only the minimum may result in interest charges and an extended repayment period.

What are rewards and cashback programs?

Many credit cards offer rewards or cashback programs where you earn points, miles, or cashback on eligible purchases. These rewards can be redeemed for various benefits, such as travel, merchandise, or statement credits.

What should I do if my credit card is lost or stolen?

If your credit card is lost or stolen, contact your card issuer immediately to report it. They will usually provide instructions on what steps to take, which may include issuing a replacement card.

How can I improve my credit score?

To improve your credit score, pay your credit card bills on time, keep your credit utilization low, and manage your overall debt responsibly. Regularly monitoring your credit report for inaccuracies is also important.

Can I use my credit card internationally?

Yes, most credit cards can be used internationally. However, it's recommended to inform your card issuer of your travel plans to avoid any issues with using your card abroad.

What is a balance transfer?

A balance transfer involves moving the outstanding balance from one credit card to another, often at a lower interest rate. This can be a useful strategy to save on interest payments.

How can I close my credit card account?

To close a credit card account, contact your card issuer and follow their specific instructions. Make sure to pay off any outstanding balances before closing the account.

What should I do if I'm struggling to make credit card payments?

If you're facing financial difficulties, contact your card issuer as soon as possible. They may be able to offer temporary solutions, such as a reduced payment plan or a hardship program.

Do credit cards charge interest rates for non-payment?

Yes, credit card providers do charge cardholders with penalties if they are unable to pay the due amount on time. Cardholders are usually charged with an interest of 3-4% on their outstanding amount. The amount to be paid is calculated based on the formula:(Number of days counted from the date of transaction made X Entire outstanding amount X Interest rate per month X 12 months)/365.

How do I choose a credit card?

There are many different types of credit cards available so it can be hard to know where to start when deciding which one is right for you. One of the easiest ways to look at it is to consider exactly what you need a credit card for.

Co-branded credit cards are those that are introduced in partnership with well-known businesses and give additional privileges when customers use the particular brands’ products or services.

Can I pay off my credit card debt early?

Yes. Unlike with personal loans, there are no penalties if you want to clear your balance early.

Will I be charged if I withdraw cash on my credit card?

Yes – most credit cards charge a fee of around 2.5% to 3% of the amount withdrawn (known as a cash advance fee). On top of that you will be charged interest from the moment you get your money – even if you pay off your balance in full that month. Try to avoid withdrawing cash on a credit card unless it’s an emergency.

Do credit cards charge annual fees?

This depends on the type of credit card. Many won’t charge an annual fee, but some – particularly those that offer competitive rewards or incentives such as travel insurance, car breakdown cover or concierge services – will. Always check before you apply.

What is the credit utilization ratio?

A credit utilization ratio or credit utilization rate can be defined as the percentage of credit being utilized from your total available credit limit. You can calculate your credit utilization ratio using the simple formula

Credit Utilisation Ratio = (Total Outstanding Amount/Total Available Credit) X 100

Your credit utilization rate is one of the most important factors that credit bureaus consider while calculating your credit score.