Guarding Your Credit Card

Credit Cards are very convenient and easy to use.  With that convenience comes increased security problems though.  I’m including a lot of tips that will help you guard against potential threats.   

Make sure that you sign your card as soon as it comes in.  You should keep your cards in a safe place with limited access from the outside world.  Never loan your card to a friend no matter how much you trust them. 

Review your credit card statements each month.  Be on the lookout for any unauthorized purchases or activity.  If there are discrepancies or items that you do not recognize you should contact your credit card company immediately.  I recommend that you file your credit card statements so that you can review them later if needed.  If however you choose to throw your bill statements out, make sure to thoroughly shred them.   

Lastly and most importantly is what to do with all of those credit card receipts.   You probably have them lying around your home, in your wallet, and even in your car.  The amount and type of information printed on retail receipts vary, but it is a good idea to treat them all as if they contained sensitive personal information.  Make sure that you deal with them appropriately as soon as you get them.  If you need to hang on the receipts for business purposes, you should file them in a secure area.  If you do not need the receipt make sure to shred them before putting them into the trash.  Following these guidelines will help keep your money, credit, and identify safe.