{"id":88525,"date":"2024-11-20T13:35:06","date_gmt":"2024-11-20T18:35:06","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2024-11-20T13:35:10","modified_gmt":"2024-11-20T18:35:10","slug":"how-to-use-a-credit-card-wisely-6-tips","status":"publish","type":"rbc_my_money_matter","link":"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/money-academy\/credit-and-borrowing\/understanding-credit-cards\/how-to-use-a-credit-card-wisely-6-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"How to use a credit card wisely: 6 tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-single-article-header\">\n\t<section class=\"section-grey cover pad-t-hlf\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-inner w-half w-mob-full centered-margin cover section-grey pad-tb-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"inline-block pill-container pill-taxonomies\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"mar-b-hlf mob-mar-b snipe pill is-style-blue-pill\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"primary-taxonomy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/topic\/credit-and-debt\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Credit and Debt<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<h1 class=\"mar-b-hlf mar-t-0 mob-pad-lr-hlf h2 has-black-color\">How to use a credit card wisely: 6 tips<\/h1><p class=\"mar-b-0 mob-pad-lr-hlf author-text\">By Royal Bank of Canada<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"featured-image-wrapper pos-rel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/08\/Choosing-card-wisely_girl-w-shopping-bags.jpg?quality=80\" class=\" cover-image  wp-post-image\" alt=\"Girl wearing pullover sit in chair near package bags after shopping use mobile cell phone credit card isolated on plain pastel light purple background.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/08\/Choosing-card-wisely_girl-w-shopping-bags.jpg 6382w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/08\/Choosing-card-wisely_girl-w-shopping-bags.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/08\/Choosing-card-wisely_girl-w-shopping-bags.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/08\/Choosing-card-wisely_girl-w-shopping-bags.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/08\/Choosing-card-wisely_girl-w-shopping-bags.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/08\/Choosing-card-wisely_girl-w-shopping-bags.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\t<div class=\"article mar-t-dbl\">\n\t\t\t\t<section>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"section-inner socials-section\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"top-socials-bar mob-mar-b-hlf\">    <div class=\"social-links mob-mar-b-hlf mob-mar-t-hlf\">\n            <a class=\"social-button-wrapper sharing-custom sharing-email\" href=\"mailto:?subject=How to use a credit card wisely: 6 tips &#038;body=Hi, I thought you might be interested in this article from RBC My Money Matters: https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/money-academy\/credit-and-borrowing\/understanding-credit-cards\/how-to-use-a-credit-card-wisely-6-tips\/\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/plugins\/rbc-blocks\/assets\/img\/icons\/icon-email.svg\"\n          alt=\"envelope icon\">\n        <span>\n          Email        <\/span>\n      <\/a>\n      <div class=\"social-button-wrapper sharing-copy-wrapper\">\n        <button class=\"sharing-custom sharing-copy\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/money-academy\/credit-and-borrowing\/understanding-credit-cards\/how-to-use-a-credit-card-wisely-6-tips\/\">\n          <img decoding=\"async\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/plugins\/rbc-blocks\/assets\/img\/icons\/icon-related.svg\"\n            alt=\"copy icon\">\n          <span id=\"sharing-copyUrl-Label\">\n            Copy URL          <\/span>\n        <\/button>\n        <input type=\"text\" class=\"sharing-copy-text\" aria-labelledby=\"sharing-copyUrl-Label\">\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"section-inner w-half w-mob-full centered-margin pad-tb-0 mob-mar-t-hlf mob-mar-b\">\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"cover-pub-line text-xs mar-b-hlf\">Published November 20, 2024 \u2022 8 Min Read<\/p>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-block  pos-rel\" style=\"border-radius:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-inner-block  section-inner w-half w-mob-full\" style=\"border-radius:0x\">\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/credit-cards\/index.html\" data-dig-id=\"LP-88525-11c1255a\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"credit card\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">credit card<\/a> offers several benefits to a cardholder. Not only is it a convenient payment tool that lets you make purchases online or in person, virtually anywhere in the world, but it also gives you the opportunity to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/life-events\/new-to-canada\/banking-in-canada\/how-canadian-credit-cards-can-help-improve-your-credit-score\/\" data-dig-id=\"LP-88525-dba40703\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"build a credit history\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">build a credit history<\/a>. With a good credit history, you position yourself as a responsible borrower, which can help you get a mortgage, car loan, apartment, or great cell phone plan in the future. If you have a credit card that offers rewards, you can earn travel perks, cash back, insurance benefits, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With many advantages of a credit card, you want to make the most of what your card has to offer. Discover 6 ways to get your credit card working for you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Pay your credit card bill on time&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Perhaps the most important rule of thumb when it comes to using a credit card is to pay your bill on time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you use your card, you will accumulate a credit card balance \u2013 this is the total amount of money you owe on your account. At the end of your billing cycle (which is typically about 30 days long), you will receive a statement that outlines your balance, minimum payment due, and your due date for paying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Paying your credit card bill by the due date is important for many reasons:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list default is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item is-style-default default\">\n<p class=\"is-style-default default\">It helps you build and maintain a good credit score<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item is-style-default default\">\n<p>If you pay your total account balance, you will avoid interest charges<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item is-style-default default\">\n<p>You will keep your account in good standing, which can enable you to qualify for a higher credit limit in time<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p class=\"is-style-default default\">Getting in the habit of regularly paying your bill helps you develop strong credit habits that can last a lifetime&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-light-grey-background-color has-background\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Set up a pre-authorized recurring payment for either the total account balance or the minimum payment, so that your credit card bill automatically gets paid on time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Make more than the minimum payment\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s in your best interest to pay your total account balance in full every month. That way, you don\u2019t incur interest charges, and you keep your full credit limit available for the following month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, life can be expensive and unexpected, and it\u2019s not always possible to pay off the total account balance in full. When this is the case, it\u2019s important to pay as much as you can \u2013 and at least the minimum payment. Making the minimum payment every month is crucial for maintaining your credit score and keeping your account in good standing. Your minimum payment is clearly stated within online or mobile banking, as well as on your statement. One easy way to ensure your minimum payment is made every month is by setting up automatic payments from your bank account to your credit card account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s worth noting that your statement will show you how long it would take to pay off your credit card balance when you only make the minimum payment, which can provide strong motivation for paying more than the minimum every month.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-light-grey-background-color has-background\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> If you find you\u2019re not able to pay off your balance each month or you\u2019re always reaching your credit limit, it could be a sign that you are overspending. Spending only what you can afford makes it much easier to stay out of credit card debt.\u00a0 If you do carry a balance, a lower interest rate card can help you save on interest charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Stay below your credit limit\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your credit card issuer looks at several factors when determining what your credit limit will be \u2013 including your credit history, income level, employment status and overall financial situation. If you don\u2019t know your current credit limit, you can find it on your monthly statement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good way to ensure you stay below your credit limit is to set up credit limit warning alerts on your credit card account to get notified when you are approaching the credit limit on your card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-light-grey-background-color has-background\"><strong>Tip<\/strong>: Do you feel you need a higher credit limit? As time goes on, if your institution sees good behaviour on your credit card, they may offer you a credit limit increase. If you\u2019d like a higher limit sooner than that, you can try requesting a limit from your credit card provider.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Take advantage of any rewards&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you choose a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/credit-cards\/rewards.html\" data-dig-id=\"LP-88525-dd28b686\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"credit card with rewards\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">credit card with rewards<\/a>, you will want to take advantage of those benefits! Start by learning how you earn and maximize your rewards.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, some cards offer a higher earning rate if you spend on certain everyday items, such as gas and groceries. Instead of earning one point for every $1 you spend, for example, you may earn two or three points for the same spend in these categories.\u00a0 It\u2019s also a good idea to find out where you get the most impact from your points. For instance, you could redeem 15,000 points for a short-haul flight or a statement credit that goes towards paying your credit card bill \u2013 one may be more valuable to you than the other and understanding how your program works can help you make the most of it.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Keep your credit card safe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your credit card is a secure payment method, as most cards offer protection against unauthorized charges. For example, if you\u2019re the victim of credit card fraud and your card is used to make fraudulent purchases, if your card comes with Zero Liability Protection you would not be responsible for the charges, provided you have taken reasonable precautions to protect your PIN and your card. To that end, you shouldn\u2019t share your PIN with anyone, and you should only use your card in places where it is safe to do so. Never give your credit card number over the phone unless you initiate the call, and only make online purchases from recognized retailers. Even then, only buy from sites that have security features such as a URL that begins with HTTPS or a key or lock symbol at the bottom of the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In today\u2019s world, a physical credit card isn\u2019t needed to make most purchases.&nbsp; While lost or stolen cards can be \u2018locked\u2019 and reported quickly, a compromised account number from a data breach can be hoarded by a fraudster for weeks or months before any fraudulent use. Here are some tips to help keep your information safe:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list default is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item is-style-default default\">\n<p class=\"is-style-default default\">When making a purchase, tap or insert the chip first. This will protect you from having your card skimmed.\u00a0 And always remember to take your card when the transaction is done.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item is-style-default default\">\n<p>Protect your PIN: memorize it, don&#8217;t share it with anyone or write it down.\u00a0 Choose a PIN that can\u2019t easily be guessed \u2013 don\u2019t use your birth date or address.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item is-style-default default\">\n<p>Never lend your card or disclose your PIN to anyone else<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item is-style-default default\">\n<p>Never give out your card number over the phone or Internet unless you know you are dealing with a reputable company.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item is-style-default default\">\n<p>Always check your card when it is returned to you after a purchase. Make sure it is YOUR card.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Most importantly, make it a habit to regularly check your transactions through mobile or online banking.\u00a0 It is also a good practice to review your statement monthly. If there are any charges that you didn\u2019t make or don\u2019t recognize, report it immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have an RBC Royal Bank credit card and you are concerned that it is lost, stolen or otherwise compromised, here are a couple of ways you can keep it secure:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list default is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item is-style-default default\">\n<p class=\"is-style-default default\">If you have simply misplaced your card, you can temporarily lock it through RBC Online Banking or the RBC Mobile app until you find it.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item is-style-default default\">\n<p>If your card has been stolen or permanently lost, call the 24-hour toll-free number at 1-800-769-2512. The card will be blocked from future use, and you will be issued a new card.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item is-style-default default\">\n<p>If you notice a transaction you don\u2019t recognize, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/credit-cards\/cardholders\/credit-card-transaction-help.html#dispute-transaction\" data-dig-id=\"LP-88525-6221e165\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"dispute a credit card transaction or report a fraudulent transaction\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">dispute a credit card transaction or report a fraudulent transaction<\/a> through RBC Online Banking or the RBC Mobile app.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Know your credit card terms and conditions\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Anytime you apply for a credit card and receive it in the mail, it is accompanied by a package of important documents that includes the terms and conditions of your credit card. Be sure to review these documents to understand the specific details regarding your credit card. Sometimes, your credit card issuer will make some changes to your account and when they do, they will notify you of any significant changes in advance, so be sure to keep an eye on your statement so you don\u2019t miss out on important information about your account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A credit card is a convenient payment tool that can be used for anything from small, everyday items to major purchases. By making the most of your credit card, you can avoid unnecessary fees, potentially earn rewards, and build your credit history all at the same time. Still deciding on a credit card? Take a look at our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/money-academy\/credit-and-borrowing\/understanding-credit-cards\/5-tips-to-consider-when-choosing-the-best-credit-card-in-canada\/\" data-dig-id=\"LP-88525-a70dad55\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"5 Tips to Consider When Choosing a Credit Card in Canada\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">5 Tips to Consider When Choosing a Credit Card in Canada<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mar-b-hlf has-rbc-bright-blue-tint-4-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-looking-for-a-credit-card\">\u00a0 Looking for a credit card?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Use our Credit Card Selector Tool to find the best credit card for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons mar-b-hlf is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-primary primary btn before\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/credit-cards\/tools\/choose-a-credit-card.html\" data-dig-id=\"LP-88525-2e3177bc\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"button click\" data-dig-label=\"Help Me Choose-https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/credit-cards\/tools\/choose-a-credit-card.html \">Help Me Choose<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a class=\"rbc-link-format goto-link\" data-icon-class=\"goto-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/credit-cards\/tools\/credit-card-cashback-calculator\/index.html\" data-dig-id=\"LP-85772-66e6827d\" data-dig-label=\"Cash Back Calculator\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-category=\"LP\">Compare Credit Cards<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-default-collapsible\"><p><button class=\"collapse-toggle collapsed\" data-target=\"#collapse834a1009\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse834a1009\" data-dig-id=\"LP-57738-834a1009\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"accordion closed\" action-closed=\"accordion closed\" action-opened=\"accordion open\" data-dig-label=\"Things our lawyers want you to know\"><span>Things our lawyers want you to know<\/span><span>Things our lawyers want you to know<\/span><\/button><\/p><div class=\"collapse-content collapse\" id=\"collapse834a1009\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-collapsible-inner-block collapse-inner\">\n<p>This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-tk-spacer id-d7d97457-4ba8-4083-ba0e-959438a542a2\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n\t\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center h5 mar-b\"><strong>Share This Article<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<div class=\"socials-block\">\n\t\t\t    <div class=\"social-links mob-mar-b-hlf mob-mar-t-hlf\">\n            <a class=\"social-button-wrapper sharing-custom sharing-email\" href=\"mailto:?subject=How to use a credit card wisely: 6 tips &#038;body=Hi, I thought you might be interested in this article from RBC My Money Matters: https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/money-academy\/credit-and-borrowing\/understanding-credit-cards\/how-to-use-a-credit-card-wisely-6-tips\/\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" 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class=\"wp-block-tk-spacer id-ed7a3400-e5b0-4afb-a78a-0054f62b7fb9\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-single-post-topics related-topics-links\">\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"h5 mar-r-hlf\">Topics:<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/topic\/banking-digital-banking\/\" class=\"btn topic mar-t-0 mar-r-qtr mar-b-hlf\">Banking\/ Digital banking<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/topic\/credit-and-debt\/\" class=\"btn topic mar-t-0 mar-r-qtr mar-b-hlf\">Credit and Debt<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/my-money-matters\/topic\/managing-money\/\" class=\"btn topic mar-t-0 mar-r-qtr mar-b-hlf\">Managing Money<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-block  pos-rel mob-pad-t-dbl\" style=\"border-radius:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-inner-block  section-inner\" style=\"border-radius:0x\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading mar-b mob-mar-b-dbl mar-t-0\" id=\"h-read-this-next\">Read This Next<\/h2>\n\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"related-posts-type-2\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"related-post-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"grid-wpr eh-wpr\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class= 'grid-one-third grid-tb-full grid-mob-full mar-b'>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<article class=\"col-wpr mar-b-0 mar-r-0 mar-l-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"postcard-img-ctr post-card-image col-md-12 col-xs-6 mob-mar-b-0 pad-l-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcroyalbank.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/11\/iStock-1057767656.jpg?quality=80&amp;w=1024\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" 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Card\u00a0<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<style class=\"advgb-styles-renderer\">\n\t\t.wp-block-tk-spacer.id-d7d97457-4ba8-4083-ba0e-959438a542a2 {\n\t\theight: 96px;\n\t}\n\n\t@media ( max-width: 480px ) {\n\t\t.wp-block-tk-spacer.id-d7d97457-4ba8-4083-ba0e-959438a542a2 {\n\t\t\theight: 30px;\n\t\t}\n\t}\t\n\t\t.wp-block-tk-spacer.id-ed7a3400-e5b0-4afb-a78a-0054f62b7fb9 {\n\t\theight: 60px;\n\t}\n\n\t@media ( max-width: 480px ) {\n\t\t.wp-block-tk-spacer.id-ed7a3400-e5b0-4afb-a78a-0054f62b7fb9 {\n\t\t\theight: 30px;\n\t\t}\n\t}\t<\/style>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your credit card is a convenient payment tool with lots of benefits. Make the most of your credit card with these 6 tips.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":80,"featured_media":88527,"parent":85747,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","footnotes":""},"tags":[62,510,520],"rbc_content_type":[31],"rbc_audience":[],"rbc_lob_group":[508],"rbc_difficulty_level":[33],"rbc_mmm_category":[319,304,569],"class_list":["post-88525","rbc_my_money_matter","type-rbc_my_money_matter","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-banking-digital-banking","tag-credit-and-debt","tag-managing-money","rbc_content_type-article","rbc_lob_group-credit-card","rbc_difficulty_level-beginner","rbc_mmm_category-credit-and-borrowing","rbc_mmm_category-money-academy","rbc_mmm_category-understanding-credit-cards"],"acf":{"contently_publication_id":"","custom_author":"Royal Bank of Canada","rbc_video_header":"","rbc_media_duration":"","rbc_video_keywords":"","rbc_video_description":"","rbc_video_upload_date":"","rbc_toc_for_mmm_tag":"h2","rbc_toc_for_mmm_limit":6,"rbc_toc_for_mmm":null,"rbc_toc_for_mmm_action":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A credit card is a convenient payment tool that can boost your credit score \u2014 but it should be used responsibly. 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