Credit Tips To Help You Make The Most Out Of Summer
Get your vacation bags packed and head into summer confidently knowing that your credit score is working for you. Here are a few tips to help you get the most from your credit score this summer.
Better Credit = Better Reward Programs. If you’re looking to live large, you may be able to do it for less by leveraging your spending habits and using credit card reward programs. Sites like thepointsguy.com have driven thousands of people to reward credit cards, but if you don’t have healthy credit, you’ll miss out on the perks. Remember to use below 30% of your current credit card limits, and always pay your accounts on time.
Summer Vacations = High Identity Theft Risk. Regardless of your destination, there is probably someone trying to get access to your personal information. There are a few ways this risk gets elevated during vacation season.
Mail Fraud. If you get credit card offers in the mail, and aren’t interested in opening new lines, go to www.optoutprescreen.com to stop the offers. Many times, fraudulent credit card applications get submitted through credit card mailers using specific offer codes.
Credit Card Fraud. Make sure to check your statements when you get home from vacation. It’s common that scanners, readers, or just shady characters were able to strip your card information and could be spending money on your behalf without your knowledge.
Blatant Identity Theft. If you have travel plans this summer, and don’t plan on any large upcoming purchases, I recommend you freeze your credit. This simple option could help you avoid thousands of dollars in losses, and hours of bartering, scraping, and fighting to resolve fraudulent accounts with creditors,.
Summer = Hot Real Estate Markets. If you’re looking to buy a house, summer is a great time to do it. However, if you’re not pre-approved and credit ready, you may be left behind in this fast paced market. Take the time to prepare your credit scores, get pre-qualified, and step up your game so you don’t miss out this summer.
As always, if you or someone you know is working towards healthy credit this summer, our team of professionals at Premier Credit would love to help. Cheers to a beautiful summer (and don’t forget the sunscreen)!