Personalized advice for your credit card style

I prefer to pay with cash so I don't have a bill to pay later. Why should I use a credit card?

Credit cards have many advantages over cash. They are safer, they can help you track your spending, they can protect your purchases and can help build your credit rating at the same time. If you're planning to buy a house or car, using your credit card and paying your bill in full and on time each month will help you build a healthy credit rating over time. All RBC^® Visa* cards provide Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Insurance⁺ , which protects your purchases from loss or damage for 90 days, and doubles the original manufacturer's warranty for up to one additional year.

⁺ Coverage underwritten by RBC General Insurance Company in the Province of Quebec and by RBC Insurance Company of Canada in the rest of Canada. Refer to your certificate of insurance for complete program details and limitations.

I feel embarrassed to use my credit card to buy my lunch or groceries — what if people think I can't afford to pay?

More and more people are using their credit cards at fast food restaurants, grocery stores— even their local coffee shop. It's not that they can't afford to pay; they simply know how to get rewarded for good budgeting and wise credit card spending. These people are smart shoppers and they know that if they put their family groceries on a credit card with rewards points and pay one bill at the end of the month, they will quickly turn these everyday purchases into free rewards, like merchandise, gift certificates and travel experiences.

I'm worried about credit card fraud. What can I do to prevent it?

While everyone should be vigilant about fraud, your credit card can safely be used in a range of situations. Just practice a few basic precautions:

• Sign and activate your card as soon as you receive it. Cancel and destroy the old card.
• Don't give your card number over the phone or internet unless you know and trust the company.
• Keep receipts to check against your statement and shred when you are done.
• Keep personal information safe, including your date of birth, social insurance number (SIN) and other personal identification.
• Memorize and protect your PIN at all times.
• Familiarize yourself with the additional fraud protection offered by your credit card company.

And remember, the Visa Zero Liability policy is a promise that you will not be responsible for charges to your Visa account as a result of its fraudulent and unauthorized use, provided you take reasonable steps to protect your Visa card and Visa account number against loss or theft, safeguard your PIN, and adhere to any other security measures as described in your RBC Visa agreement. Report any incidents immediately by calling our 24-hour toll-free number (1-800-769-2512).

Your recommended RBC Royal Bank card: Reward your spending with the RBC Rewards^® Visa Gold card, a no fee credit card that helps you get more from your shopping dollar by earning one RBC Rewards point for every two dollars you spend. Or choose the Signature^® RBC Rewards^® Visa^‡ card and earn points faster, with one point for every dollar spent, for an annual fee of only $35.

How can I reduce my credit card debt?

There are several techniques you can use. Try to follow as many as apply to your situation:

• Use your credit card only to make purchases you know you can afford to pay for when the statement comes in.
• Transfer funds from your bank account to your credit card immediately after making a purchase to stay on top of your spending.
• Use your credit card only when it is necessary — to book reservations, make online purchases or for emergencies, for example, until you have your debt under control and have established better budgeting habits.
• Pay more than the minimum balance due, and focus on paying off the cards with the highest interest rates first, while still paying the minimum payment on the others.
• Take advantage of an RBC low-rate balance transfer offer to consolidate balances from higher rate credit cards to an RBC Visa card. If you don't think you can pay down your balance before the low rate offer expires, then consider consolidating your outstanding balances to an RBC Visa card with a permanent low rate.

If you don't have a low-rate card that can handle your balance consolidation, you may want to apply for an unsecured line of credit or a consolidation loan. The lower interest rates on these products will allow you to consolidate your debt so you have only one monthly payment to take care of and could help you pay it more quickly. Talk to your trusted RBC Credit Advisor about your options.

How do I make sure I don't get in over my head again?

It helps to limit the number of cards you have by choosing one widely accepted card with features suited to your spending habits. Avoid carrying retail store cards, which usually have very high interest rates, even if they offer enticing introductory specials or "no payment" options. Set a monthly spending budget, and use your card only for purchases you know you can afford to pay in full when the statement arrives. Consider signing up for automated bill payments, which will ensure that your minimum payment is always made from your bank account on your payment due date.

Your recommended RBC card: The RBC Rewards Visa Gold card is a good card for you because it has no annual fee, earns you one RBC Rewards point for every two dollars you spend on purchases and provides you with some additional travel insurance protection. If you are carrying a balance but you always make your minimum payment and have a good credit rating, the RBC Visa Classic Low Rate card has a permanent low interest rate that can help you pay the balance down faster for a modest annual fee. And don't forget, RBC offers a complimentary automatic bill payment option that will help to keep you current.

How can I make my card work even harder for me?

Build on your good credit habits by switching to a rewards card, so you'll earn RBC Rewards points with every purchase, and help your shopping dollars go even further. Since you're already a disciplined credit card user, consider using credit instead of debit, so the points add up faster.

Any other ways my credit card can save me money?

Consider choosing a card that provides additional insurance coverage, such as car rental insurance or travel insurance coverage, or points that can be redeemed for a wide variety merchandise rewards, gift cards, travel experiences or flights on a host of the world's best airlines, including Air Canada and WestJet.

Your RBC card: If you want to earn rewards, and you are mainly interested in travel, the RBC Visa Infinite* Avion^® card is your best choice to help you earn points that can redeem for any flight, on any airline, with no seating restrictions or blackout periods. If you like to earn rewards, but redeeming for flights is not your first priority, the RBC^® Rewards Visa^‡ Preferred card is a unique card with a premium suite of travel insurances and rewards, making it a smart choice for serious shoppers and serious travellers.