Credit comes with pitfalls. We are told this regularly and for many people, it seems to be all they ever hear about the process of paying with credit. However, if managed to your advantage, you can make credit cards work for you.

Bear in mind that banks and lenders are quick to add charges to accounts when they feel that there is an opportunity to do so – and don’t give them the chance to do it. Do you believe that it costs them that much to administer to your late payment? Of course not – so make sure you are in the driving seat.

To do this, it is a matter of using credit in ways that the bank won’t recommend. The “monthly” payment on your credit card will usually be set at a small percentage of the balance, and the bank will be happy for you to only ever pay that because you will pay off more than you ever borrow. Interest, plus any charges, will amount to as much money as you borrowed in the first place. However, you can pay more than the monthly payment, so here is how to make it work for you.

When you take out a credit card, use it as you would use an ATM or debit card. Pay for groceries with it when you get your wages at the end of the month, and then instantly pay the balance off in full. For a while, live off credit and use the money that goes into these costs to make payments to your card. Your credit rating will soar. Your bank will offer you better terms. You’ll be in the driving seat.