Tips for managing your credit card

Once you’ve got a credit card, of course it’s useful to know how to get the best out of it.

 

In this guide, learn how to:

  • Stay in control of your balance, credit limit and repayments. 
  • Make sure you understand the cost of borrowing, including interest, fees and charges. 
  • Protect your account benefits and credit score by managing your account well. 
  • Keep track using Internet Banking and the Mobile Banking app.

5 tips for managing your credit card

1. Limit your borrowing

It’s a good idea to only borrow what you really need and can reasonably afford to repay. Also consider the future and potential changes in your circumstances.

If you are planning a transaction though, make sure you use any introductory rates while they’re available, so you benefit from the lowest and longest lasting interest rates.

Introductory interest rates

2. Stick to your credit limit

If you go over your agreed credit limit, transactions may be declined, and your credit score could be affected. 

If you need more flexibility, you could request to change your credit limit, subject to status and security checks. We may also contact you to offer a higher limit, but you don’t have to take it if we do.

More about credit limits

3. Understand the cost of borrowing

Different rates of interest may apply to portions of your balance, varying based on transaction type, and whether a standard or introductory interest rate applies.

Fees may also apply to some transactions and account features. Additional charges may apply if you don’t manage your credit card account in line with the terms and conditions set out in your credit agreement.

More about credit card interest

More about fees and charges

4. Always check your statements

It’s important to check your statement as soon as it’s issued. It includes details about payments due, the interest rates which apply to your account and, of course, recent transactions, fees and charges.

It’s a good idea to keep hold of receipts and order confirmations so you can check them against your statement later.

About credit card statemets

5. Always make payments on time

It’s important that you make at least the minimum payment shown on your statement each month, and that it reaches your account by the due date. To limit your interest costs, it’s always a good idea to pay as much as you can.

If you miss or make a late payment, in addition to fees and charges, you could lose any promotional rates which apply to your account, and your credit score could be affected.

Setting up a Direct Debit is a good option as we’ll claim payments automatically from your selected bank account when they’re due, but there are a number of other payment methods available too.

Ways to pay your credit card

How to pay off credit card debt

Using your credit card

It’s useful to understand how a credit card works, so you get the best out of yours.

Let’s look at the details

Manage your account online

Log on to Internet Banking

Internet Banking gives you convenient access to your Lloyds Bank accounts in one place, at any time.

Simply log on or register to check balances, view statements, make payments and transfers, manage your contact details and more.

Log on

Register now

Use the Mobile Banking app

Popular account services are at your fingertips when you need them, using the Mobile Banking app. 

But there are also some extras in the app, including:

  • The option to view your PIN online, rather than waiting for a reminder by post.
  • The option to freeze your card if you’ve misplaced it, or certain transaction types if you’d like more control over how you or other cardholders use your account.

Once you’ve downloaded the app to your smartphone or tablet, simply log on using your Internet Banking username and password. You can also set up fingerprint or face ID on compatible devices.

Get the Mobile Banking app

We're here if you need support

If you’re experiencing difficulties making your credit card payments, please let us know so we can find a way to help.

Help with money worries

Reducing the cost of your credit

If you are paying more in interest, fees and charges than you are paying back, you may be in persistent debt. 

Help with persistent debt

Key points on managing your credit card

  • Try to borrow only what you need and can reasonably afford to repay.
  • Stay within your credit limit, otherwise your interest rates and credit score could be affected.
  • Make sure you know what interest rates, fees and charges apply when you use your card.
  • Check your monthly statements carefully – especially balance, transaction and payment due information.
  • To avoid fees and to protect your introductory or promotional interest rates and credit score, make at least the minimum payment on time each month.
  • It’s easy to manage your credit card account using Internet Banking, or the Mobile Banking app.

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