How to use a credit card: The 4 best ways

Edited by: Rebecca Giantonio Moran
• Updated •6 min read
This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.
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In a Nutshell

The best way to use a credit card is by using it only when you need it, and by charging only what you know you can comfortably afford to pay back. When used this way, credit cards can offer a convenient way to pay for day-to-day expenses and may help you build credit, earn rewards, pay off debt or finance a purchase you can pay off over time. But if you’re not careful, a credit card could also lead to high interest charges, increasing debt and a ding to your credit health.
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Credit cards can be a convenient and more secure alternative to using cash or debit to make purchases.

They can also be a useful tool to help you manage your finances. And, depending on the credit card you get, it may offer fraud and purchase protections.

But what’s the best way to use a credit card to your advantage? We’ll explore four key strategies, including building credit, earning rewards, paying down debt and financing a purchase. We’ll also share some tips for getting the most out of your credit card without racking up unnecessary debt or negatively impacting your credit.

How to use a credit card

Credit cards can be a powerful financial tool if you know how to use them to your advantage. But before diving into the best ways to use a credit card, let’s cover some of the fundamentals of credit card use.

Tips on how to pick the right card

  • Understand the basics — Credit cards allow you to borrow money up to a certain limit to purchase items or withdraw cash. You’re then required to pay back the borrowed amount, plus any interest that’s due.
  • Do your research — Shop for a card that matches your financial situation and goals. If you’re looking to build credit, consider a secured credit card. For rewards, look at cards offering cash back, miles or points.
  • Pick a card that’s right for you — Look closely at your spending habits. If you spend a lot on groceries and gas, consider a card that offers rewards in those categories. Always compare fees, interest rates and rewards before making a decision.

How to manage your credit card

Healthy credit card use involves more than just paying your bill on time. Here are some best practices to keep in mind.

  • Make your payments on time. This is crucial to maintaining good credit scores.
  • Pay your statement balance in full when possible. Avoid interest charges by paying off your statement balance each month, rather than just the minimum, by the due date.
  • Stay well below your credit limit. Aim for a credit utilization ratio below 30%.
  • Read your credit card agreement. Understanding the terms and conditions can help you avoid unexpected fees and other surprises.
  • Check your statement regularly. This helps you spot any fraudulent charges and keep track of your spending.
  • Report lost or stolen cards immediately. Quick reporting limits your liability for unauthorized charges.

4 best ways to use a credit card

1. Building credit

Secured credit cards, credit cards that require a security deposit, can be effective tools for building or improving your credit history. Most credit card issuers report timely payments, credit utilization and credit limit to the major credit bureaus, which can positively affect your credit scores. But late payments are reported, too, so if building credit is your goal, make sure you can consistently pay on time. And you’ll want to verify that the card’s issuer will be reporting to the credit bureaus about your account.

2. Earning rewards

Credit cards offer various rewards, like cash back, travel miles and points. Understanding the different types of rewards and choosing a card that matches your everyday spending habits can help you get the most value out of a card. Consider different options for redeeming your rewards, including whether you can transfer miles or points to other rewards, or “transfer partner,” programs for additional value.

3. Paying down debt

Balance transfer cards with introductory 0% APR offers can be a strategic tool to reduce debt. Transferring high-interest debt and paying it off during the promotional period can save interest and allow you to put more of your money against the debt. Watch out for balance transfer fees — you’ll have to do the math to find out if a fee will cost you less than the interest you’d pay if you kept the debt where it is. Consider using Credit Karma’s balance transfer calculator to crunch the numbers and get an idea of how much interest you could save.

4. Financing a purchase

While generally not recommended due to high-interest rates, using a credit card can be a smart way to finance a large purchase if you take advantage of a 0% introductory purchase APR and can pay it off before the promotional period ends. Be wary of deferred interest plans and understand the difference between 0% APR offers and deferred interest.

How credit cards affect your credit scores

Consistently making timely payments and keeping what you owe below 30% of your available credit are both key to healthy credit scores. But other factors affect your credit as well. Here’s how credit score factors rank according to importance.

  • Most important: Payment history — Making on-time payments is critical to building and maintaining good credit.
  • Very important: Credit usage — How much of your available credit you’re using, especially on revolving accounts like credit cards and lines of credit.
  • Somewhat important: Length of credit history — The average age of your accounts, which is an indicator of how long you’ve been managing credit.
  • Somewhat important: Credit mix and types — Diversity of your credit accounts, which shows you have experience with different kinds of credit.
  • Less important: Recent credit — Frequency of credit applications and new account openings, which show up as hard credit inquiries on your reports.

How to use a credit card: FAQs

What is the best way to use a credit card?
The best way to use a credit card is to start out by getting the right card for your goals and spending habits. Then, use it strategically by charging only the items you would buy anyway, paying your bill in full and on time and keeping your credit utilization low. Lastly, read the fine print on your card agreement before using the card.

How many credit cards should I have?
The right number of credit cards varies by individual. But no matter how many cards are in your wallet, it’s important to manage them well to maintain healthy credit and consider how they fit into your overall financial strategy.

What is the most efficient way to use a credit card?
To use a credit card efficiently, put together a strategy to make the most of the rewards and benefits the card offers, make only the purchases you’ve already planned, pay your statement balance in full by the due date and keep your balance on the card low.

Next steps

There can be many benefits to keeping a credit card in your wallet, but there are some risks, too. The trick to getting the most out of your credit card, while maintaining healthy credit, is to use it to pay for items you’d buy anyway, pay your bill in full and on time every month, and keep your credit utilization rate low. Knowing how to use a credit card to your advantage is important, but applying for the best card for your situation is equally important. You’ll want to do your research and now the ins and outs of the different types of cards to consider. 

Want to learn more about cards?

See data insights about the following credit cards:

*Approval Odds are not a guarantee of approval. Credit Karma determines Approval Odds by comparing your credit profile to other Credit Karma members who were approved for the card shown, or whether you meet certain criteria determined by the lender. Of course, there’s no such thing as a sure thing, but knowing your Approval Odds may help you narrow down your choices. For example, you may not be approved because you don’t meet the lender’s “ability to pay standard” after they verify your income and employment; or, you already have the maximum number of accounts with that specific lender.