Credit Card Uses - Everything You Wanted To Know

May 25, 2011 - PRLog -- Credit cards have many practical applications, apart from using them as light switch covers and golf putters. It is better to use a credit card rather than your debit card when shopping online, buying big-ticket items, booking travel, paying for fuel and hotel accommodation, and much more.

It is safer to charge items to a credit card when shopping online. Debit cards link to checking accounts directly and are more vulnerable to hijacking. Most credit card issuers offer cardholders voluntary policies that help reduce the liability to zero.

Using a credit card is safer when you buy big-ticket items such as furniture and household appliances. Canadian credit cards come with dispute rights in case something goes wrong with the purchase or merchandise. Another beneficial feature is the extended warranty which extends the merchant's warranty. If you are buying electronics or renting a car, you may take advantage of the property insurance available for those types of purchases. It is important to avoid carrying a balance if you buy big-ticket items. On the other hand, some cards offer additional benefits such as auto rental collision damage waver, common carrier travel accident insurance, lost luggage assistance, legal assistance, etc. With credit cards, cardholders can make emergency cash transfers and request emergency card replacement. Credit cards also come with balance protection, identity protection, and purchase assurance valid within 90 days from the date of the purchase.

Using a credit rather than debit card is recommended if you are a new customer. If you will be buying an item which takes a couple of weeks to arrive, your credit card will offer better protection. If the item is defective or does not arrive, you can use your dispute rights. Keep in mind that protection will be available over a specified period of time. Problems should be solved as soon as possible.

When it comes to travel, it is more practical to use a credit card, especially if you plan to go on a holiday a couple of months from now. With a debit card, the travel agency or hotel chain will debit your check card immediately.

Using your debit card to make recurring payments is not recommended because it is difficult to keep track of the payments. You will face late payment fees if you don't have enough money in your account. It is better to use a no fee credit card (http://www.creditcardreview.ca/no-annual-fee-creditcards-14/) for recurring payments, especially if you carry a balance.
http://www.creditcardreview.ca/credit-card-articles/

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Canadian credit card directory is listing credit cards offered by major Canadian banks and financial institutions, as well as credit cards offered by Canadian stores.
http://www.creditcardreview.ca/