How to save money on your credit card without falling into debt

The credit card has become one of Brazilians' favorite payment methods as it offers practicality, security and the possibility of paying in installments. However, when used without planning, it can also become one of the main causes of family debt.

Therefore, learning how to use your card strategically is essential to save money, keep your bills up to date and avoid high interest rates. With some simple changes to your habit, it is possible to transform your card into an ally of your financial organization, taking advantage of benefits such as cashback, smart installments and points programs without losing control of your budget.

What does the spending limit have to do with your budget
One of the most common mistakes is believing that the limit offered by the bank represents how much the person can spend. In practice, the ideal is to create a personal limit based on your own income and ability to pay. To maintain financial control, it is worth following some strategies:

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- Establish a monthly ceiling for the invoice;
- Record all purchases made;
- Avoid using the total limit available;
- Concentrate spending on just one card;
- Review the movement of the invoice weekly.

Frequent monitoring helps avoid surprises when closing the account and reduces the risk of impulsive purchases.

When is purchasing installments strategic?
This strategy can be advantageous for higher value purchases, such as household appliances, airline tickets or electronics. However, excess installments compromise future income and can generate a real financial "snowball". That's why it's important to evaluate:

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- If the acquisition is really necessary;
- How many installments are already compromising the income;
- The impact of the installment on the budget for the next few months;
- If there is a discount for paying in cash.

In many cases, paying by debit or cash can be more advantageous, especially when the establishment offers relevant discounts. The savings obtained can even be directed towards investments or financial reserves.

The importance of keeping track of your card statement
The interest rates on revolving credit cards are among the highest on the market. In this context, paying only the minimum bill amount can turn small purchases into debts that are difficult to pay off. The recommendation is to always prioritize paying the invoice in full and paying attention to the due date. Some measures help to avoid delays:

- Schedule reminders on your cell phone;
- Activate automatic debit;
- Choose due date close to the salary date;
- Check your invoice regularly;
- Quickly identify undue charges.

In addition, monitoring expenses in real time allows you to adjust consumption before it gets out of control. In this scenario, Inter's Super App allows you to view your invoice instantly, receive purchase notifications and monitor expenses directly via your cell phone, facilitating day-to-day financial control.

How to use the card's benefits
Points programs can generate savings and interesting advantages, as long as the card is used consciously. In this context, Inter Looop is an accessible possibility of exchanging points for benefits such as:

- Air travel miles;
- Dollars in the Global Account;
- Investment in Meu Porquinho;
- Access to VIP rooms;
- Cashback in the account;
- Specialized investment advice;
- Duo Gourmet;
- Wealth planning.

It is important to remember that no benefit compensates for paying interest or losing financial control. With planning, discipline and constant monitoring of expenses, it is possible to save money on the service and take advantage of its advantages without turning the bill into a problem at the end of the month.

FAQ - frequently asked questions:
Does the card limit represent how much I can spend?
No. The limit offered by the bank should not be confused with your spending capacity.

The ideal is to create a personal limit based on your income and monthly commitments, avoiding using the total available limit.

How to keep control of spending on your card?
Establish a monthly ceiling for your bill, record all purchases made, concentrate spending on just one card and review transactions weekly. Frequent monitoring helps avoid surprises when closing your account.

When is it worth paying in installments for a purchase?
Instalments are strategic for higher value purchases, such as household appliances or electronics. Before paying in installments, evaluate whether the purchase is necessary, how many installments already affect your income and whether there is a discount for paying in cash, which may be more advantageous.

What happens if I only pay the minimum amount on the invoice?
The interest rates on the revolving card are among the highest on the market. Paying just the minimum can turn small purchases into debt that is difficult to pay off. Always prioritize paying your invoice in full.

How to avoid late payments?
Set reminders on your cell phone, activate automatic debit, choose a due date close to salary receipt and check your invoice regularly to quickly identify undue charges.

Are points programs really worth it?
Yes, as long as the card is used consciously and the bill is paid in full. No benefits - such as miles, cashback or access to VIP lounges - are worth paying interest or losing financial control.

How can I track my expenses in real time?
Banking applications allow you to view your invoice instantly, receive purchase notifications and monitor expenses directly via your cell phone, facilitating day-to-day financial control.

Source: CNN