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A few years ago owning a credit card was a luxury, owning a Gold Card (which you could not own unless you earned £20,000 or more) was like posing a Rolex Watch. Thesedays owning a credit card (and using it) is part of every day life.
Credit card companies are desperate for you to own and use their cards and offer great incentives to entice you.
How much credit are you allowed on your first ever credit card?
This depends on your credit history and your age, however the usual amount of credit given to an individual usually starts between £200 and £500.
If you use your card sensibly and make regular payments then the credit card company ups your score and in turn increases your credit limit to a higher amount.
A good way of helping to repair your credit history is to continue to use your credit card sensibly and not to miss any payments.
Where can you use a credit card?
You can use your credit card almost anywhere thesedays. Shops, paying for holidays, cars, home improvements and even online payments. In fact, it's one of the safer methods to use when making a purchase as many credit card companies have anti fraud facilities and protection plans in place.
Why use a credit card?
Credit cards are used for many reasons. One of these reasons is the individual may have a poor cashflow situation until the end of the month when they are paid. The credit card becomes a handy substitute for a bank account from one month to the next.
Other people who are cash rich may still use credit cards to gain points or awards. For example, some credit card companies will issue a percentage of your monthly spend on the credit card back to you in cash or vouchers etc (such as air miles). Many people take advantage of this and put ALL the monthly spending on their credit card and pay the balance off before the due date and take full advantage of the rewards issued to them.
Can I use a credit card to get cash?
Yes you can use your credit card just like a debit card from your current account, however borrowing cash from a credit card levies a much higher interest rate on the cash withdrawn so it is sensible not to do this unless it's an emergency.
Visit www.aph.org.uk and let us find you the right credit card. | 
