/

Three Credit Card Perks You Should Know About

2 min read

A credit card can be a helpful tool to help you achieve your financial goals and dreams – from budgeting for everyday expenses to earning cash back for everyday purchases. Whether you’re a seasoned or first-time cardholder, consider this your guide to little-known credit card perks that can pay off in a big way.

Your credit card can help fight fraud.

Did you know your credit card can help fight criminals – well, cyber criminals and fraudsters, that is – like a modern day superhero? Most credit cards offer a lock feature that allows you to “freeze” any new purchases from being made with your card in the event that you misplace or lose your card, or suspect that it may have been stolen. In addition, some card issuers offer protection for unauthorized charges made with your credit card as well as real-time alerts by phone, text message, or email if suspicious activity is detected with your card transactions. Different card issuers have different security features, so it’s important to do your research before opening a new credit card to ensure you’re getting the right protection based on your needs.

Manage your account from anywhere, anytime.

Technology makes it easier than ever to manage your account wherever you are, whenever you wish. Most card issuers also offer a mobile app you can download to view your account, make payments, view your transaction history, and more. Some app features may even allow you to monitor your credit score. And here’s a bonus tip: set up automatic payments so you never miss a bill as late or delinquent payments can negatively impact your credit score.

Build a strong financial future by building good credit.

When used responsibly, a credit card can be a helpful tool in establishing good credit, and your future self will thank you. Having good credit can make it easier to achieve your financial goals later down the road, such as qualifying for a lower interest rate on a home or car loan with your financial institution. Ideally, you want to use less than 30% of your total available credit to help build a healthy score. It’s also good practice to avoid carrying large debt balances, which can hurt your score and become more expensive over time as you pay interest. The higher your credit card balance, the higher your credit utilization rate – the amount of credit you are using – will be.

You might also like:

AlumniFi
3777 West Road
East Lansing, MI 48823

Contact Us
(855) 955-2965

Routing Number
072486898

Federally Insured by NCUA.

Copyright © 2024 AlumniFi, a trade name of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union. All rights reserved.

*Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) means a percentage rate reflecting the total amount of dividends paid on an account, based on the dividend rate and the frequency of compounding for a 365-day period. This rate assumes that a set amount is on deposit at the beginning of the dividend period, no deposits or withdrawals are made during the dividend period, and funds remain on deposit for one full year at the same dividend rate. Fees may reduce earnings. Rates for accounts are variable and may change.

AlumniFi accounts are held at Michigan State University Federal Credit Union where savings are federally insured to at least $250,000 by the NCUA and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. APR = Annual Percentage Rate. APY = Annual Percentage Yield. View our Privacy Policy and read our disclaimer regarding links to other sites via our Disclosures.

If you are using a screen reader or other auxiliary aid and are having trouble using this website, please call 855-955-2965 for assistance. All products and services available on this website are available via our contact center.