Banks can be pretty annoying when we mere forgetful mortals forget to pay the all-important credit card bills. But with all the tools and hacks available in this modern world, it is indeed getting a little difficult to play the ‘I forgot’ card anymore. Well, here are 5 easy tips to never forget paying your bills again:
Set a reminder on your calendar
The calendar is your best friend. Apart from using it to countdown to the public holidays, either write or key in (if you’re a tech fiend) the card issuer’s due dates for you and you’re one step closer to being less tardy about bill payments. For the majority that owns a smartphone, use it to your advantage and set reminders to pop up annoyingly or blare out loud sounds to remind you that it’s time, or you might have to face the consequences of paying a late fee.
Take note of what you’ve purchased
It helps to keep a detailed record of every single item you’ve purchased with your card, to ensure that you can provision enough funds for the bill payment. Don’t start whipping out a notebook and pen everywhere you go however; there are numerous digital applications – specifically for smartphones that can aid in the tracking and calculation of your overall credit card expenses. Try apps like Mint, GoodBudget or Mvelopes. It might take some time to instil the habit, but once it is in your system, expenses tracking – much like calorie counting – can become addictive.
Try to pay in advance
If you have the financial means and drive, paying your credit card bills even before you receive your credit card statements can be a great way to keep on top of your payments and abolish the concept of due dates for yourself. One way to do this is to immediately make a payment to the credit card issuer after the credit charge transaction. Unfortunately, this does nothing to improve your credit score – but what’s wrong with avoiding the stress caused from last minute bills payment?
Check if you can move the due date to a better time
What if your pay-day deviates from the usual month-end system or your income flows in irregularly? The standard credit card issuer’s due dates might not be feasible for you. But the good news is that – it isn’t an issue at all. Did you know that you can call the issuer and speak to their customer service department about changing the due date to a more suitable one? However, this only works if you have shown them that you’re capable of making payments without defaulting, and if you have no outstanding bills left in the account.
Get email or text alerts from the issuer
In a bid to reach out to customers, banks are increasingly utilising email or text messaging not just for marketing purposes but as a general communications outlet. This works great if you’re the type who’s constantly glued to the phone or just need a simple official reminder. Before signing up however, check to see if you have to pay extra charges for SMS alerts. Save the email contact to ensure that the messages don’t end up in the junk folder as well.
We hope these tips make life easier for you, and paying your bills on time would definitely improve your credit scores! Read more about credit scores here.
Written by Claudia Li.
About the Writer: A 90s kid, Claudia is always on the lookout for the best credit cards to supplement her lifestyle. She isn’t afraid of credit card salesmen who approach in public for a chat, and constantly works out the best ways to save on any transaction with her arsenal of cards. Previously in the marketing industry, she now writes on various topics including personal finance, business marketing and other interests.
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