Like everybody else, I was also hesitant to apply for a credit card due to some negative feedbacks that I have heard from my acquaintances and relatives. It was never in my interest to have this thing with me back then, not until I received that call from my bank. They offered an easy way for to have credit card without going to my and applying for it manually. They will be the one to process everything and I didn't have to pay for anything. Just my consent, and after two or three weeks, I would just wait for the card delivered in my door. I remembered my Aunt whom running a business using her card. Since I'll be a student, I thought I could do the same as a side hustle.
"Credit card? It's where my friend got imprisoned from debts." Someone said this to me the moment they have discovered that I was using it. I know it was a half-meant kind of joke but I didn't feel bad about it because I know how to use it well. Actually, it is my lifesaver all this while, ever since I left my job to enroll in college. It's more convenient than applying for student loans or lending money from my relatives or friends. At least here, I can't hear anything bad when I can't pay on time. Just the interest waving at the next billing date.
Credit card is often the one who got my back if I was having financial crisis and I have something that I needed to pay or buy but I don't have enough cash with me. Just like when I needed a backpack, earphones, and sanitary supplies right away, my available cash was just enough for a whole month of allowance. I used my credit card instead, and I was saved! Just for my needs, but not from the credit debt. Yet, at least, I still have a lot of time to save up for it before the due date. The bank gave me a 20-days grace period to pay before giving me penalties, and they will add on another interest if I can't pay again on the next month.
Another perks of using it, the cash advance wherein I can withdraw my 30% of my credit limit. I can pay it through my usual billing date or pay it in installment. Actually, I can pay all my credit debt in installment. I'll just have to pay the minimum amount due on time and I wouldn't be receiving any penalty amount or interests anymore. Convertible points is also an advantage, if I already accumulated enough points, I can convert it to shop, dine, and travel.
As I initially planned, I did a collaboration with my Aunt on her Airline, Cruise, and Ferry booking. I'm paying them through my card and I'll earn through the transaction fees which is $2 per booking. I found out that it was just easy to book your flight and cruise. You just have to sign up for an account in the company website and check the available flights, then pay for the schedule you wanted. However, some people don't how this works and some we're too busy to do it on their own, then that's where we go in and help them with their booking. I can earn a reasonable amount if we get lucky to have more passengers and it helps me a lot in my expenses.
The way I see it, credit debt is fine as long as you can pay on time or else face the charges and additional terms given by your bank. Discipline yourself from using it too much when you aren't capable of paying it on your next billing date. Just use what you needed and the one that you are capable of paying. Use it wisely!
