When we open up a credit card account, we’re now able to buy the things we want, and pay for them later.  This may be a good thing, or it may be a bad thing.  Credit cards can be risky, but only if you make them that way.  A lot of people are surprised that they don’t know all that much about credit cards as they may think.  Continue reading below, and see if you can learn a thing or two about credit cards.

Limit increase -  If you didn’t know already, you can usually increase your limit rate.  Talk to your credit card company and see what you can work out.  If you need a bigger increase, they will usually give it to you if it’s reasonable.

Late payment - We all have that time where money is extremely tight, a few things went bad, and we didn’t get as many hours at work as we thought we would.  If you’re in this situation, you may find that even paying the minimum balance on your credit card is tough.  If you’ve been responsible, and are good with using your credit card, you can usually ask to delay your payment to the next month.  You can’t do this repeatedly, but sometimes if you’ve never asked before, and you’re responsible, you may get lucky.

Lower interest rate -  If your interest rate is extremely high, you can usually ask them to lower it.  It may not be a whole lot, but you can usually get it lowered.  This will help you over time if you usually pay the minimum balance.

Waive a fee - Do you have any late fees, over the limit fees, etc?  If so, it is always worth a shot to ask if they can waive the fee.   If you’re tight on money, let them know and sometimes you can get lucky.  They want your business, so make them work out something with you.

Free rental insurance – A lot of people don’t know they get free rental insurance on some credit cards.  When you rent a vehicle, the people always ask if you want insurance (which is very costly.)  Find out ahead of time if your credit card offers this so you can avoid paying the fee.

Discounts – You may also find that you can get certain discounts on hotels with your credit card.  If not discounts, upgrades!  Always take advantage of this, and take the time to see if you qualify for it.

Finding out about your credit card is important.  You may be surprised at what you can get, and what you can get knocked off or lowered.  Credit card companies want your business, so let them do some work for you and help you out for once!