Christmas credit card tips

Credit cards are a convenient way to pay, but they can require a bit of discipline at this time of year.

So here are our top five tips to keep your credit card under control this Christmas:

1. Know your credit card
   Credit cards differ in the number of interest-free days available and the fees and interest rates charged, so find these out before going shopping. Usually there’s an 0800 number and a website address listed on the back of the card.
    
2. Know what you can afford
   Know what you can afford to pay off your credit card each month in the New Year, remembering that to make headway you need to pay more than the minimum repayment. 
    
3. Review your credit card limit
   If you think you might reach your limit this Christmas and will have trouble paying it back, consider reducing your credit card limit now.
    
4. Avoid temptation
   If you can't resist the temptation to spend more than you can afford, leave your credit card at home.
    
5. If you're in trouble, talk to your bank
   If your credit card is getting out of control, talk to your bank about options for managing your credit card debt.