Having credit cards requires discipline. When used mindlessly, you can run up huge bills on nonessential expenses, in the blink of an eye. However, properly managed, credit cards can mean good credit scores and rewards. Read on for some ideas on how to pick up some good habits, so that you can make sure that you use your cards and they do not use you.

Remember that you must pay back what you have charged on your credit cards. This is only a loan, and in many cases, it is a high interest loan. Carefully consider your purchases prior to charging them, to be sure that you will have the money to pay them off.

If you get into trouble, and cannot pay your credit card bill on time, the last thing you want to do is to just ignore it. Call your credit card company immediately, and explain the issue to them. They may be able to help put you on a repayment plan, delay your due date, or work with you in ways that won't be as damaging to your credit.

Only take cash advances from your credit card when you absolutely have to. The finance charges for cash advances are very high, and very difficult to pay off. Only use them for situations in which you have no other option. But you must truly feel that you will be able to make considerable payments on your credit card, soon after.

Watch out for hidden fees when you get a credit card. You may have signed an agreement without reading between the fine lines and this could cost you a lot in the long run. Read any credit card contract prior to signing it, and do not be afraid to ask any questions if you are confused.

Try not to use credit cards for everyday purchases such as groceries, gas, and clothing. These are things you will most likely need again, before you can pay the balance off. You will end up with a pile of credit card debt that will keep on growing. When you need these types of items, leave your credit cards at home.

When offered a credit card with a freebie, be sure to make sure that you check all of the terms of the offer before applying. This is critical, because the free items may be covering up things such as, a yearly fee of an obscene amount. It is always important to read the fine print, and not be swayed by free items.

Make sure that you make your payments on time when you have a credit card. The extra fees are where the credit card companies get you. It is very important to make sure you pay on time to avoid those costly fees. This will also reflect positively on your credit report.

Before opting to purchase a roadside assistance plan, check with your credit card company. Some companies offer free roadside assistance to consumers, just for owning their card, which might mean you don't need an extra roadside assistance plan at all. Just make sure to understand the terms of use for the roadside assistance, as well as any costs that might be involved.

When it comes to credit cards, be sure that you are weary of any sort of free offers. This is important, because a lot of times, the freebies that you are offered can be thought of as traps that may lure you in and end up costing you a lot of money in the future.

Having the right habits and proper behaviors, takes the risk and stress out of credit cards. If you apply what you have learned from this article, you can use them as tools towards a better life. Otherwise, they can be a temptation that you will eventually succumb to and then regret it.